Compiled and Published by Heritage Group CELEBRATING 50 EDITIONS 1985 - 2017

ISSUE No. 50 2017/2018 PRICE €8.00 The Herald Annual Publication of Ballymote Heritage Group

Compiled and Published by Ballymote Heritage Group

Editor: Stephen

Design, Typesetting and Printing: Orbicon Print,

Cover Design and Artwork: Brenda Friel

Issue No 50 2017/2018 –––––––––––––––

Sligo County Council has provided funding for the 50th issue of The Corran Herald through the 2017 Community and Voluntary Grant Scheme - Community Heritage. 2 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Contents Page Cathaoirleach Awards 2016 4 A job well done 4 50 years a Priest (By Fr Pat Rogers) 5 Philip Rooney 1907 - 1962 (By Anne Flanagan) 7 Beloved Brethren Morrisroe’s Lenten Pastoral 1917 (By Michael Farry) 8 A Burst Blister (By Martin Healy) 12 Francis Taaffe’s Sun Dial (By John Coleman) 15 The great Hunger, The Carricks and the Kaveneys of Keash (By Joe Mc Gowan) 16 The history of the world in the book of Ballymote (By Elizabeth Boyle) 23 Natural Champions of pollution Solution 26 Lanzarote (By John Hannon) 26 Corporal John Fallon - The only ranger ina family of soldiers (By Padraig Deignan) 27 Heritage Committee, 1992 30 The O Dugenan Crucifixion plaque of 1671 at Fenagh, Co. Leitrim (By Martin A Timoney) 31 The Funeral of the late (Submitted by Padraig Doddy) 34 The Ballymote Electric lighting and Town improvement Co (By Edward Blake) 35 The ‘Big Snow’ of 1947 (By Jim Higgins) 37 An All - final in city (By Tommy Kilcoyne) 40 The Sligoman of South America (By Eoin Butler) 42 Journey to Belmullet (By Eugene Gillian) 43 The o’Dowd inauguration site (By Sam Moore) 44 Distress in County , 1895 (Submitted by Padraig Doddy) 46 Francis Tregian: Benefactor of Irish Refugees (By Frank Tivnan) 47 Family history at Colaiste Muire, Ballymote (By Michael Tarmey) 49 My family history (By Helen Loughlin) 49 Uncovering a family history (By Martin Curley) 50 Raise A glass for a ‘student’ (By Neal Friel) 52 A casino hidden in plain sight (By Jack Gilligan) 54 Blizzard of Forty-Seven (By Joan Gleeson) 55 A fixture of Ballymote life, An Interview with Alfie Banks (Submitted by Kathleen Martyn) 56 Keash Football Team, Sligo Junior Champions 1961 (By David Casey) 59 Slater’s Directory of 1870 (Submitted by David Casey) 60 A crazy dream (By Joan Gleeson) 63 William Bourke Cockran (By John C Mc Tiernan) 64 A sad and violent confrontation (Submitted by Padraig Mc Dermott) 66 Saint, Sinners and Saffron Buns (By Lynda Hart) 67 The dragonflies and Damselflies of Cloonacleigha (By Michael Bell) 70 St John’s Cathedral, Sligo (By Bernie Doyle) 74 Loys and Ridges, Scythes and Flails (By Micheál Murphy) 75 The power of language (By Emer Ryan) 78 Creevelea Abbey (By Theresa Kelly) 79 The sligo Field club Journal, Volume 2, 2016 (By Neal Farry) 81 Time and Tide (By Bernie Gilbride) 85 Kilross civil parish in 1749: A microcosm of 18th - Century Sligo? (By Pat o’Brien) 86 St Ita’s, Portrane (By John Hannon) 90 Landmark (By John McDonagh) 90 First Holy Communion 2017 Ballymote / Knockminna 91 Ballymote Heritage Group 92

3 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Cathaoirleach Awards 2016 We’re delighted to note that Eileen Tighe, President of Ballymote Heritage Group, won a Cathaoirleach award in 2016 for her years of dedication in making the Ballymote Heritage Group a success. Eileen has been a driving force from the very beginning in establishing the annual Heritage Weekend and The Corran Herald as important cultural events in the region. The Cathaoirleach awards acknowledge the contribution of volunteers across a wide range of local activity in . Eileen was nominated on the basis of her long association with the Heritage Group, being one of its founders in 1984 and serving as chairperson and later president for a long number of years. The growth and success of the The award ceremony. Front row, left to right: Nuala Rogers, Eileen Heritage Group is due in large part to Tighe, Noreen Friel. Back row, left to right: Ursula Gilhawley, Eileen’s knowledge and interest in all Councillor Dara Mulvey, Councillor Margaret , Aidan Tighe, Neal Farry matters of history and heritage, and to her drive, commitment, dedication to attract high-quality writers and 14 December 2016 to honour the and determination to grow the Group curious readers from year to year. winners of the Cathaoirleach Awards and its activities. Eileen was cited for the award on the 2016. The award was presented to Under her guidance, the Ballymote basis of her involvement in a number Eileen by Councillor Gino O’Boyle, Heritage Weekend continues to attract of community activities, and for being and on behalf of those of us in the audiences from near and far, and a true leader in her community. Heritage Group and everyone who has has been widely praised for the high Eileen was presented with her award benefitted from Eileen’s tireless work quality of its lectures and outings. in the Arts and Culture category at over the years, we send our heartiest The Corran Herald also continues a ceremony in the County Hall on congratulations! A job well done Mrs Eileen Tighe, President of Ballymote Heritage Group, making a presentation to John Coleman on the completion of his term as chairman of the group. Also included are (left to right) Ursula Gilhawley, Carmel McGettrick, Michael Rogers, Derek Davey, Tom Lavin, Neal Farry, Carmel Rogers, Michael Tarmey, Mary Black and Des Black.

4 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 50 years a Priest By Fr Pat Rogers

even have attracted me back then. 1966, one of the great blessings of But after the Vatican Council of the my life was being selected to go for early 1960s, when some of the order’s further studies in Rome. My task strictness was relaxed, we came to was to gain the qualifications to live in a way that more reflected the teach theology and biblical studies rest of the people around us. in the newly-established Milltown With the few others who joined Institute of Theology and Philosophy with me in 1960, we went through in . I suppose it was because a fairly strict year of novitiate, in of my keen interest in languages that the Graan , about three my provincial superior at the time, miles from . There we Fr Valentine McMurray cp, a fellow got an introduction to praying the Sligoman, sent me to study in Rome. Divine Office in common, to sharing At any rate, in spite of some initial household chores and dining on very difficulties in adapting to Italian simple fare. We learned about the cooking, that posting suited me very history of the order and of the church well. Living in a mainly Italian- as a whole, and were often regaled speaking community near the very Fr Pat Rogers by great stories from some of our heart of Rome, I quickly learned active preachers, back home for a rest the language and grew to love and When after my Leaving Certificate after conducting their dramatic- appreciate the Eternal City, its vitality, I left Ballymote in 1960 to join the missions. I still have warm memories history – and sunny weather! Passionist order, as I recall, it was of stirring tales told with gusto by When I had completed the with the best of intentions. But I had gifted priests like Luke Delaney, with degrees of Licentiate in Theology only the most sketchy outline in mind, his rich Kerry accent, or Dubliner and Scripture, I said goodbye to how my life with the Passionists Malachy , or in sonorous Rome and was assigned to teach might turn out, or whether it would tones by Hilary Barry from Tipperary. New Testament in Milltown, in a suit me at all. Back then, almost 60 After novitiate we took temporary ‘consortium’ or collective project of years ago, the order was known to religious vows (for a duration of three some twelve religious orders, which be rather austere in lifestyle. The years) with the expectation that, if all taught a similar curriculum to that in ‘monks’, whether priests or brothers, went well, we would take the vows the national seminary at Maynooth. I all wore a distinctive black habit, with for life before being ordained to the continued on the staff at Milltown for a leather belt round the waist, and over priesthood. We proceeded to some the next 41 years, with the exception the heart a small heart-shaped sign of years of studying philosophy and of a few absences that I spent abroad, the Passion of Christ. They were best theology, to get us properly prepared in America, Africa and Australia. known for preaching rousing parish for the sort of ministries that we could Perhaps I should mention here that, missions across the length and breadth expect to be doing after ordination. urged by Fr Jim Healy sj, president of of Ireland. Then, right in the middle of my Milltown Institute, I returned to Rome What was it that drew me to join studies, came the Second Vatican for two years in the second half of the a strict religious order, rather than Council (1962-65), which pointed the 1970s to complete my doctorate in follow my uncle Val into the diocesan way to a different set of priorities for theology, at the Gregorian University. priesthood, possibly in Dublin diocese? the Church than those I had grown Those were great years to be in Rome, I think I felt a strong preference for up with. We moved from Latin to and in the intervening summers I had living in shared accommodation, in English in the liturgy, and the focus of the chance to study German, French some kind of community, with like- the Church’s life moved (in theory at and Spanish, all of which I have minded fellows who would meet least) from hierarchy to community, enjoyed ever since then. regularly to eat and pray together, and from a pyramid of priestly authority The spirit of sharing and of then go out as preachers of missions to ‘The People of God’, all of whom community that I experienced among and retreats to various parts of the had gifts of ministry to share with the Passionists over the years is country. Even then, the domestic others. Like other clerical students of something I deeply appreciate. We life of a diocesan priest seemed to my vintage, I was delighted with these might sometimes argue at table or me rather lonely by comparison. If changes, even though in the decades at community meetings, over some I was going to be celibate, it should that followed many of the ideals of the opinion or other, but in general there be easier if I wasn’t living all on my Council were quietly set aside. is a spirit of live-and-let-live, and own. In part, in my youthful idealism, After my ordination (by of genuine interest in each other’s the frugal life of the Passionists may John Charles McQuaid) in December wellbeing. Also, our older members

5 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 are cared for in the community, often years in succession, from 2001 on, that were severely damaged by abuse. into their 90s – as was the case with I would spend a month every year I’m morally certain that the abusers the late Fr Anselm Keleghan cp, well in California, preaching in various were just a small minority within the known in Sligo from this time as rector parishes and helping to fundraise for a priesthood, but it was still a shock to in Cloonamahon and in the Graan. third-world charity, Concern America learn how poorly our church leaders During my 50 years as a priest, I – working with its gifted director, dealt with this crisis at first, and how have only once been in charge of a Galwayman Denis Garvey from long it took them to put effective parish – and that was for 15 months as Glenamaddy, and his wife Maryanne. safeguarding procedures in place. temporary parish priest of Klosters, in Aside from those mainly summer But we are aware nowadays that this the mountainous east of Switzerland. travels, most of my fifty years problem is more widespread in the That was my ‘pastoral sabbatical’ as a priest were spent in Ireland, general population than used to be amid sunny alpine valleys (summer based in Mount Argus in Harold’s thought when I was young. It’s just to autumn 1982) and snowy ski- Cross, Dublin. There I help out with one of the many factors of life that we slopes in the winter. It was there that church ceremonies and share in the have to deal with as best we can. I learned to ski and then introduced community life of prayer, hospital In spite of all the above, in general I various nieces and nephews to their visits, etc. For several decades I’ve have been happy in trying to live out first skiing experiences. also been active in helping prepare my calling as a priest. Helping people An advantage of my role as a engaged couples for their marriage, to celebrate major life-occasions like Scripture-teacher in Milltown was as a member of the Together Pre- baptisms, weddings, anniversaries and that I often had invitations to conduct Marriage course. Since 2010 I’ve funerals has seemed very fulfilling to seminars and retreats to groups of taken part in the Association of me. So too is the leading of worship priests, brothers and sisters during the Catholic Priests, and provide the daily and the preaching of the message of summer holidays. That was a ministry homily-resource page in their website Jesus on a regular basis – and trying that I greatly enjoyed – and still do, (www.associationofcatholicpriests. to apply it to concrete situations in when occasion arises. Another was ie ). I also maintain a website called today’s world. Even if given the that I could usually undertake three www.biblical.ie which was something opportunity to start all over, I think or four weeks of ‘parish supply’ – I set up for my students while I was there is no other calling or profession acting as locum or replacement for lecturing in Milltown Institute. that I would prefer to serving the one of the parish clergy while they And what about all the scandals and catholic community as a priest or went on holiday. These ‘supplies’ travails of the church in the last decade pastor. I often wish I could have done had a holiday dimension for me also, or more? What about the fall-off in it better, maybe listened a bit more to since they were mainly in parishes on church attendance, and the hostility people and given them more of my the continent, in Germany, Austria, of many journalists and media people time… but looking back over the half France or Spain. They were a great towards institutional religion? Like all century since my ordination, I feel way to keep up those languages as others of my age, I’ve been saddened blessed and privileged to have been well as to meet new people and savour and ashamed when learning about called to this kind of service. their local culture. And for about ten some of what went on, and the lives

A centre of power: Sligo Gas Works during the 50s. Photograph by Kevin P Murray. 6 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Philip Rooney 1907 – 1962 By Anne Flanagan

Philip Rooney is best known as It was well received, and that fact, the author of Captain Boycott. coupled with the many years of ill- Cunningham Boycott was a land health which had gone before, decided agent for the Earl of Erne’s estate, him to retire from the bank and make which was situated on the shores of writing his career. Shortly after that Lough Mask. It was the 1880s and the he moved to Bray and worked as Irish Land League was active in the a freelance journalist, writing for area. As part of its campaign for the newspapers and reviews all over the ‘three F’s’ – fair rent, fixity of tenure world. He was appointed to the staff and free sale – and also because of of Radio Eireann and wrote hundreds evictions in the area, the Land League of scripts, plays, serials and adaptions encouraged Boycott’s employees to for Radio Eireann and also the BBC. withhold their labour. They refused Amongst his best-known radio to harvest the crops on the estate and programmes was The Quest for Matt began a campaign against Boycott in Talbot, which was broadcast several the local community. times on RTE and also in Holland and Philp Rooney’s interest in the the US. dispute was aroused by the fact this In June 1960 a feature which his grandmother was the teacher at he compiled about Constance the school on the estate at the time of Markievicz called The Green Jacket the strike, and his mother, Margaret was first broadcast. He later presented Mulligan, was a pupil in the school. the script to Sligo County Library. Philip was born in 1907 at Camphill, Meanwhile Philip continued to write Collooney, the first child of Henry and novels, which were: Margaret Rooney. Both were teachers Philip Rooney in Camphill National School, the only Red Sky at Dawn, 1937 – A tale of Balcon. national school in Cooloney at the smuggling and adventure on the coast Philip’s novels are characterised by time. Philip had two brothers, Michael of Sligo a sensitive awareness of the beauty of and Paddy, and one sister, Kitty. He North Road, 1940 – A vivid tale of nature. He was a born storyteller with received his secondary education at the Ulster Planters a lively eye for detail that brought his Mungret College, Limerick. Singing River, 1944 – A romance stories to life. When Telefis Eireann When Philip left school he worked Captain Boycott, 1946 opened in 1960, Philip was appointed for the National Bank and worked The Golden Coast, 1949 – A tale of scriptwriter in the drama department in , Mullingar and Bray. He the high seas and of piracy and capture and worked there until he died on 5 married Moya Rainey of Mullingar, and eventual escape March 1962. and they had two sons, Sean and Ben. The Long Day, 1951 – A detective -- Sean was killed in a car accident in his story This article is based on the 20s. author’s research for her thesis A prize in a short story competition It is for Captain Boycott that Philip for her Fellowship of the Library launched Philip Rooney on his literary is best remembered. It was instantly Association of Ireland. She would like career. His entry came first out of successful, and was made into a film to acknowledge the invaluable help of 6,000, and heartened by this success, in 1947. It was directed by Frank Moya McGuinness, niece of Philip Philip wrote a light romance set in Launder. Philip wrote film scripts Rooney. the Boyne Valley. It was published in for the well-known film producers 1935 under the title All Out to Win. Launder and Gilliat, and for Michael

7 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Beloved Brethren Bishop Morrisroe’s Lenten Pastoral 1917

By Michael Farry

‘Home Government for all Ireland , and from 1896 until with complete fiscal autonomy, with 1911 he was on the staff of Maynooth adequate safeguards for minorities College. In 1911 he was consecrated and guarantees that the race for Bishop of and served in positions and appointments shall go that position until his death in 1946. to the fittest, this is the least that the As Bishop he was well thought of by gallant defenders of small peoples his peers and was regarded as having ought to grant to long-suffering influenced the then Cardinal Logue in Ireland.’ This extract from a letter many of his statements on the political to a public meeting in January 1917 situation. would not be remarkable in itself were The background to the meeting, the it not written by a Catholic bishop to Bishop’s letter, and The Irish Nation’s a meeting addressed by a personal interest was the North friend who was also deputy leader of by-election, the first electoral test of the Irish Parliamentary Party. the mood of the country after the 1916 The writer of the letter was Rising. It was held on 3 February Dr Patrick Morrisroe, Bishop of 1917 and while the opposition to the Achonry, and the Irish Party MP was Bishop Morrisroe as often pictured John Dillon, who, like the Bishop, in newspapers of the time lived in Ballaghaderreen, County Party, was widely reported in the Irish Roscommon. Morrisroe’s letter press and was also highlighted in the criticised Dillon’s Irish Party’s alliance small radical weekly newspaper, The with the Liberals and their apparent Irish Nation, which published extracts acceptance of partition. It welcomed under the heading ‘Up Roscommon! the collapse of that alliance, claiming Another Irish Bishop Speaks Out’. that ‘The betrayal of the Party by its The timing is also interesting, English friends (ie the Liberal Party) coming as it did less than a year after has proved to be a decided gain, for the 1916 rising. The response of the it has restored to Irishmen unfettered Church to the Rising had been muted. independence.’ Out of a total of 31 , only Morrisroe did praise Dillon for seven had unreservedly condemned his intervention on behalf of those the Rising. Bishop Edward O’Dwyer still interned after the Rising. In a of Limerick was the only bishop reference to the inclusion in the War to attempt any justification. The Cabinet of Edward Carson, who had 23 others, including the Bishop of led the Unionist opposition to Home Achonry, remained silent. Rule, the Bishop wrote: ‘It is hard to Patrick Morrisroe, a native of see why one set of rebels – and these Charlestown, , was Bishop Morrisroe from the book The Diocese of Achonry 1818- more criminal – should be enjoying born in 1869. He was educated in 1960: A Dominant Church by Liam the sweetmeats of Downing Street, the Achonry diocesan college and in Swords, courtesy of Bishop Thomas and another, less guilty, condemned to Maynooth College. He was ordained Flynn. The portrait is probably break stones in Dartmoor.’ priest in 1893, served as chaplain by Leo Whelan RHA (1892-1956) who painted many of the bishops, This letter by Morrisroe, and in to the Sisters of Charity in Banada, including Archbishop Walsh of particular his criticism of the Irish on the staff of St Nathy’s College, Tuam and Cardinal MacRory

8 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Irish Party was still disorganised, direct comment on the contest or on Morrisroe’s colleague, Bishop Coyne an agreed candidate, Count George the outcome. of Elphin, had trouble previously with Noble Plunkett, father of the executed The Bishop did however meet a small O’Flanagan’s radicalism, but he did 1916 leader Joseph Mary Plunkett, deputation of Plunkett supporters allow him to canvass for Plunkett was put forward by a coalition of who asked permission for Fr Michael and address political meetings in separatist / republican / anti-Irish O’Flanagan to speak at a pro- his diocese during the by-election Party groups. The Count was elected, Plunkett meeting at Ballaghaderreen campaign. receiving 3,022 of the 5,403 votes cast, during the campaign. He refused. Plunkett’s victory in this by-election defeating the Irish Party candidate TJ The permission of the Bishop, as marked the beginning of the electoral Devine and the Independent, Jasper parish priest of Ballaghaderreen, success of the anti-Irish Party faction Tully. was apparently required to allow a and eventually encouraged them to Ballaghaderreen parish was the only priest to address a political meeting unite under the Sinn Féin banner. part of Achonry Diocese in the North in the parish. Fr O’Flanagan was The support of the younger Catholic Roscommon constituency and there is one of the chief supporters and clergy was an important factor in no indication that Morrisroe made any organisers of the Plunkett campaign. this and later victories. The RIC Inspector General’s Monthly Report for January 1917 said, ‘He [Plunkett] was supported by the majority of the Roman Catholic Clergy, particularly by Father O’Flanagan, a Sinn Feiner, who canvassed the Division daily on his behalf.’ This political involvement by the clergy was, no doubt, a cause of concern to Morrisroe and the other bishops. As the campaign and the celebrations took place, Bishop Morrisroe was working on his pastoral letter which was read in all churches on Quinquagesima Sunday, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, 18 February 1917. This was the yearly address to their flocks by all bishops in which traditionally they reminded them of Lenten fast regulations, stressed their concerns as regards pastoral care, drunkenness, evil literature, immodest dancing, company keeping and such like, and occasionally made comments on current affairs and political developments. Morrisroe’s 1917 Lenten pastoral is a delightful document in which he treads warily through the questions of the day, including the war and food shortages, the aftermath of the Rising and the rise of Sinn Féin, though he Cartoon on the result of the North Roscommon election from the never mentioned the term. Neither Roscommon Herald, 17 Feb 1917. The original caption reads ‘A critical does he specifically mention the moment for the Irish leaders, Jack, Joe and John, when they lose their Irish Party or Home Rule. As would grip on North Roscommon, and tumble from their dizzy heights of power and Bossism.’ Jack, Joe and John were John Redmond, Joe and be expected of a Catholic bishop, John Dillon, the principal leaders of the Irish Party he expresses himself solidly against

9 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 rebellion and the use of force but he who, instead of seeking to progress on the political situation Morrisroe is repeatedly critical of the British the common good, seek ‘to consult goes on to talk of the importance of Government, its response to the the interests of a narrow-minded prayer and penance, especially during Rising and its general conduct of Irish ascendency to the neglect of popular Lent, and commends those involved affairs. He calls the Rising ‘a domestic sentiment.’ in teaching religion, saying that the tragedy’, ‘this hapless enterprise’, He appreciates the problems that the Report of the Diocesan Inspector ‘unfortunate occurrences’, but there is ‘clashing of such jarring antagonisms’ was most encouraging. He welcomes no strong denunciation of the leaders may cause but advises that ‘It is never the development of the Maynooth of the rising. ‘We do not know the lawful to do evil that good may come’. Mission to China and then includes motives of those who originated the He stresses that the government the usual Lenten Fasting Rules. recent disturbance,’ he wrote, ‘so we was lawful and must be obeyed. Morrisroe’s 1917 pastoral letter will not stop to apportion blame.’ He quotes at length from Leo was one of only two in all Ireland He goes on to talk of the confusion XIII’s encyclical on ‘The Christian which dealt with the 1916 Rising. caused by the ‘excessive severity Constitution of States’, ‘To cast aside The , Dr Harty, . . . which was employed to end the obedience, and by popular violence to advised his flock on the issue in turmoil’, ‘the excessive exercise of incite to revolt, is therefore treason, similar terms and quoted from the punitive measures’ and how the harsh not against man only, but against same encyclical. Both were aimed at British reaction to the Rising had God’. But he begins the quote with a parochial clergy as well as at the laity. turned many ‘into active sympathisers clear taunt at the British Government: The North Roscommon victory with the victims of military despotism ‘They . . . who rule should rule with had a dramatic effect on the politics and brutality.’ He recognises that ‘we even-handed justice, not as masters, of the country and the locality. The may sympathise, and we do with all our but rather as fathers, for the rule of God rest of 1917 saw an inexorable rise of heart, with those upon whom capital over man is most just, and is tempered Sinn Féin, with clubs being formed punishment and penal servitude were always with a father’s kindness . . . in parish after parish mimicking and inflicted’, but argues that this should Government should, moreover, be replacing the structure of the United not result in our approval of the administered for the well-being of the Irish League, the Irish Party’s local ‘unfortunate occurrences’. citizens.’ organisation. Morrisroe’s political He then delivered his thoughts on He reminds his flock that ‘there is advice had little effect on his flock ‘Love of the homeland’ (‘a noble, as a law of the Church forbidding the and did not prevent large numbers of well as a natural, sentiment’) and went Sacraments to persons who belong his priests from assisting in the rise of on to contrast ‘The Celt’ and ‘Those . to organisations that plot or conspire Sinn Féin. . . who aspire to rule over him’. His against legitimately constituted imagined Ireland is the perennial authority, either publicly or privately, victim, the artist and dreamer of the either by oath or without personal Celtic Twilight: ‘This land, which rights.’ is the idol of so many warm hearts, He ends this, the main section of the has endured the sharp arrows of pastoral, with a strong declaration that bitter and adverse fortune. Fate has nothing he has said must be taken ‘to dealt cruelly with her during her imply that we must be satisfied with chequered history. She lost unhappily the existing situation or that we are her place in the sun and now she is not to endeavour to secure our liberty. mated with a predominant partner Nothing could be further from our whose temperament and ideals are thoughts. We desire as ardently as different from hers. The Celt is clean- any that our country should be made lived and spiritual in his aspirations independent, in the fullest sense, of . . . The educative, industrial, social every foreign power and endowed and national genius of our people is with the amplest faculty for self- held in bondage’. He contrasts these development . . . we shall continue ‘spiritual’ Celts with their English to bless, and pray for the success of, rulers who ‘cast away three centuries every legitimate movement for the ago the fountains of living waters restoration of our full freedom.’ and drink out of broken cisterns’ and Having delivered his thoughts John Dillon

10 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

There were only two Sinn Féin clubs Féin club had been denied use of the Spanish Civil War, the Blueshirts and in County Sligo at the end of March local parish hall. The parish priest the Second World War. 1917 but by the end of the year there complained to Sinn Féin headquarters His 1933 telegram to Eoin O’Duffy were 43. South Sligo, most of which about the incident. In January 1918 on the Blueshirt leader’s release from was in Achonry diocese, was more a Red Cross dance in Collooney was prison, ‘Congratulation on victory of advanced than the rest of the county attacked by Sinn Féiners as ‘pro- justice over shameless partisanship and on 29 April delegates from eight war’ and those attending were pelted and contemptible tyranny’, caused an parishes met in to form with mud and broken bottles. The outcry, and the Irish press censorship the South Sligo SF Alliance. Its June local Catholic clergy denounced the refused newspapers permission to meeting heard that more clubs had attackers from the altar and Sinn reprint a section of Morrisroe’s 1941 been formed, some with the ‘active Féin in turn demanded an apology. Lenten Pastoral because its attack on cooperation of the clergy’. This was refused. Bishop Morrisroe, European dictatorships was regarded Bishop Morrisroe seems not to at a public meeting in support of the as too pro-British and damaging to have publicly criticised the rise of clergy, complained of a number of Irish neutrality. Sinn Féin until October when, in a incidents during 1917 in his diocese, widely reported sermon, he spoke including the Collooney affair, attacks Sources against secret societies at the closing on schools and halls which had not Michael Farry, The Irish Revolution of a parish mission in Gurteen. He been given for Sinn Féin meetings and 1912-1923 (Dublin, 2012) urged the people ‘to shun all those the flying of republican flags above Dermot Keogh, Ireland and the organizations that might flavour of a the cross on churches. Vatican: The Politics and Diplomacy revolutionary aspect, or be associated Morrisroe regarded himself, as of Church-State Relations 1922-1960 with secret societies’. But by this time many bishops did at the time, as (Cork, 1995) it was far too late to stop the tide and an advisor to his flocks not just in Dermot Keogh, Twentieth-Century these comments had no effect. matters of religion but also in matters Ireland: New Gill 6 Soon afterwards, on 25 November of politics. As the situation constantly (Dublin, 2005) 1917, the primate of All Ireland and changed he struggled to keep up with David Miller, Church, State and , Cardinal his flock’s current position, and he Nation in Ireland, 1898-1921 (Dublin, Michael Logue, in a pastoral letter continually had to revise his position 1973). strongly denounced Sinn Féin policy and temper his advice in the light of Liam Swords, The Diocese of Achonry as ‘ill-considered and utopian’ and developments. 1818-1960: A Dominant Church warned that its dream of an Irish This ‘leading from behind is (Dublin, 2004) republic would likely end in disaster. perfectly demonstrated by his attitude Jerôme Aan de Wiel, The Catholic Dr Morrisroe, who presumably had to the 1918 election. He refused to Church in Ireland, 1914-1918: War been consulted by the Archbishop in its support either Sinn Féin or the Irish and politics (Dublin, drafting, forwarded Logue’s pastoral Party, but announced his preparedness 2003). letter to all his Achonry parishes to lead his flock once it had made Bureau of Military History, witness with a covering letter, ordering that up its mind: ‘Only when the people statements: both should be read at all masses were united would the priests give BMH.WS1770: Kevin O’Shiel, on the following Sunday. When the a lead, and not when the people Commissioner, Dáil Land Courts, Parish Priest of Kiltimagh, Rev Fr were wrangling’. Had he waited 1920 -1922. Denis O’Hara, began to read the until the people stopped ‘wrangling’ BMH.WS0687: M.J. Curran, Rector, letters, members of his congregation then he would never have made any Irish College, Rome, 1921. attempted to drown out his words by pronouncement. Inspector General’s Monthly Report coughing and scraping their feet. There is no evidence that his for January, 1917. National Archives Sinn Féin sometimes clashed pronouncements on politics had any UK: CO 904/101. publicly with those who did not support effect on his flock or on his clergy. Irish Independent 17 January 1917. them, including Catholic clergy. They But this did not stop him continuing The Irish Nation 20 January 1917. disrupted an entertainment organised to comment on political matters Roscommon Herald, 24 February by Killaville clergy and nationalists as the continued their 1917. in December 1917, blocking roads, ‘wrangling’ through the war of Freeman’s Journal, 19 February 1917; firing shots and breaking windows. independence, the Treaty and civil 23 October 1917; 13 December 1917. This was probably because the Sinn war, the later IRA activities, the

11 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 A Burst Blister By Martin Healy

It was a crisp April morning, just gone half seven, when I ran over to the cowhouse where my father was milking. The air smelled different, the world felt fresher at this hour. Everything was still as a stone. Today was the big day, the day I would go to the bog for the first time. This was even better than getting up at six o’clock on winter mornings and going out with flashlamps to round up the cattle for the walk to the fair. This was her, my first chance to show my worth. How often had I listened to them talk about the big bog in Carnagulcha. The meitheals of men all over the place, and the fires for cooking on, and the grand taste everything had, and the race to see who could cut the most and wheel the fastest. And stopping in Charlie Durcan’s bar for a mineral on the way home. It was all swimming in my head as I flew into the cowhouse. Carnagulcha! The name had a certain ring to it. Secret as my ’s songs. I was nine then. My brother, Tom, was thirteen and had often been to the bog before. He strolled about the street, the kickers. He had a special way of whistling what he thought was a scratching their bellies and talking to Martin Healy tune but was just a thin stupid note. them. The hands buried in his pockets and I drove out after the milking. They We hit for the bog at half eight. My him kicking stones casually, trying to were slow to go, looking round, as mother had the tea stuff packed in a show me he knew it all – the bog was if they realised it was earlier than box that had pictures of oranges on nothing new to him. I didn’t care. I’d normal. Her ladyship, the red one, the sides. She used extra strong twine surprise him once we got there. tossed her head so I gave her a mighty from Auntie Mary’s parcels to tie it My oldest brother, Jack, who crack of the stick. My father smiled on the carrier of my father’s Raleigh was eighteen, was helping with the and said, ‘Good man, Brian, that’s bicycle. As she watched us leave, I milking. He was under the strawberry the stuff for her.’ I was my father’s noticed she was smiling funnily – cow; she was fierce quiet and would favourite – at least I think I was. much like the first morning I went to let anyone draw her. The other three We always talked a lot. I suppose, school. She waved and I waved back. were dangerous, especially the red mostly, it was him talking and me Then she disappeared into the kitchen, one – she’d send you flying off the listening. He told me plenty of things. rubbing her hands in her apron. stool as quick as she’d look at you. Stories about when he was young, bits There were only two bicycles in the My father was the boy could handle about his own father. house so my father had to manage

12 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 me on the crossbar of his, while Jack with little squares of black here and as they like. I think he was glad about brought Tom on the carrier of the there, which I knew to be fresh turf. this arrangement because he gave me other one – it was my mother’s so After about a mile we slowed to a a wink. there was no crossbar. My arse started halt. My arse was stiff as a poker, my ‘Right, boys. In the name of the to feel sore from all the bumping as legs all pins and needles. ‘Where’s three Devines from Keash, we’ll we hurried out the stony lane but once ours, Daddy?’ I asked excitedly. start,’ he said, and I felt ten feet tall by we hit the tar everything was grand. ‘On down this way, son,’ he pointed, the shafts of the wheelbarrow. Paudie Scanlon was driving his crossing a low ditch and following The top spit was very stringy and cows as we passed by his gate. He a path that I could barely make out. ‘twas hard to keep the sods from falling gave a big happy shout and tipped Grey, like the lane, but spongy. off as I flew out the spreadground, one his hat back like a cowboy. His fields ‘Can I wheel it?’ I asked, and he eye on the load, the other on Tom. were next to ours, and, at hay time, let me take the bicycle. It was high Nobody said anything but there was the race between us was hectic. We and awkward, nearly impossible to a bit of a race on. The second spit always won because the poor fellow balance. was wetter, and by the third we were had no help. He never married but he ‘Big baby,’ Tom muttered, loud down to the real McCoy – grand dark was mighty handy at building cocks. enough for me to hear. I gave him a turf, soapy as anything. I put twenty- We seemed to travel a bit faster after dirty look and kept going, careful not six on each time – three rows of eight seeing Paudie. Like we were ready to to spill the box of tea things. and two across the top. It was a heavy beat him at bog too. ‘Lord, but Meehan is the early bird,’ push but I wouldn’t give in. We passed through Dunbeg at my father commented, gazing across My father and Jack gabbed a good exactly nine on the chapel clock. the bog. I followed his eye and spotted bit as they swung the sleáns but I There was a man in a blue coat the lone figure, black as a rock. was too busy concentrating on the carrying a tray of bread into Cassidy’s ‘Sure, Meehan is always here earlier catching. Tom was silent, too – there shop. I wondered if we could stop for than anyone,’ Tom said – to let me was no whistling now! I noticed his ice-cream – you could get massive know I was the newcomer and I knew face was already blackened where wafers in there for a tanner. My father nothing. I squeezed the handlebars a sod had already struck him. Jack just zoomed by it in an awful rush – I tight, having to listen again to his was a wild cutter. You could see the don’t think he even saw man or shop. stupid, straight whistle. difference, plain as day. My father’s I was kinda surprised later on when The sun was getting a bit warmer half was dead level, his sods even as he decided to walk a windy hill that now, the sky a lovely blue – as blue as pounds of butter; Jack was rough, not didn’t seem too steep for me. He was the sea had been that day Uncle Frank much better than a pig rooting. Any puffing hard, I realized then, and had brought us all down to . fool could know he was raw at the done hardly any talking for a while. Jack took the lemonade bottle of milk work. Jack stood on the pedals, kept going and sunk it in sticky mud, with just the Although he was awkward, Jack cut full blast. ‘Come on, you’re failing’, neck up, then he pulled the barrows as fast as my father for the first three Tom shouted back at us. I felt like and sleáns from their hiding place in spit. I was mad, seeing this, but I said giving him a good kick, straight into the hollow. My father stripped off his he’d never last the day. We’d cut him the you-know-where. jacket and jumper, rolled up his shirt out long before the evening and then A few TVO tractors, with sleeves. I did the same and chanced I’d let out a shout. I had often heard wheelbarrows roped to the draw-bar, a look at Tom to see his arms were my father use that line – ‘cut him out farted past us. The drivers waved as thin and white as mine. He didn’t – when he was talking about great and my father waved back. No hello notice, being too busy throwing men from the old days. If there were a or anything, just a steady wave. I shapes and spitting on his hands like line of cutters working on a stretch of suppose they were black strangers. a grown-up. bank and one slowed, he’d be in the ‘Nearly there, Brian, a grá – get There was a long stretch of bank others’ way and have to step down. ready to make a wish.’ We turned cleaned and ready. My father nicked This would be an awful shame, he’d left, onto a grey lane that seemed to the side of it at great speed and then be the talk of the place afterwards. snake on forever through the endless paced to the middle, where he opened We stopped for tea around one bog. I was speechless with wonder up a cut. He threw the first dryish sods o’clock. I was glad of the break and couldn’t think of anything to wish up onto the bank and I raced to collect because my hands were getting a for. There wasn’t a house or a right them. I intended to make sure I spread bit sore and looked as if they might tree anywhere, just lonesome flatness, for my father – let Tom and Jack do blister. We all washed in a boghole,

13 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 using fists of mucky peat as soap. Tom broke into his whistling again, as if he were fresh as a daisy. I knew by the cut of him, though, that he was getting enough of it – I just hoped I’d last the day. Jack made a fire out of dry clods and twists of newspaper. It lit grand and in no time the kettle was singing. We dangled our legs over a heathery bank and ate our fill of the sandwiches my mother had prepared. Slices of rasher between thick cuts of – greasy and lovely. I picked the fat bits off and threw them away; I noticed Tom was doing the same but my father ‘Cassidy’s corner-shop in Ballymote with the now-retired Gerry Cassidy and Jack ate like horses, all the time at the door. Was this the Cassidy’s in ‘Dunbeg’ where our little hero Brian staring silently across the flatness. saw a man with a tray of bread, and where he coveted an ice-cream for a I’d never had such an appetite, never. tanner? Only then did I believe the stories I’d a mighty cheer out of him and I felt thought, and boy was I glad. We’ll cut heard about grub tasting better on the awful. them out yet, I said to myself, and the bog. Jack had stripped to his vest now, blister on my right hand didn’t seem ‘Think will ya stick the day, his balled shirt flung away into the so sore any more. Brianeen?’ my father suddenly asked. hollow. Out of the side of my eye My father’s pocket watch clicked I said I would, no bother, and jumped I noticed his muscles bulging and, open, sang shut. He glanced sideways to my feet to show my mettle. soon, I got to wondering if he could as Jack rose, smart as a hound, and There were a lot of men about now, be as strong as my father. Or stronger? again peeled off his shirt. I felt an odd mostly in twos. You could hear faint ‘Come on, boys, we’ll cut ye out,’ tightness in the bottom of my stomach. voices drifting over, like the smoke Jack said suddenly. Half laughing. There was hardly any talk as the from the fires which were everywhere. ‘Don’t break Dunne’s sleán eighth and ninth spits were being cut. It was like nothing I ever saw before, anyway,’ my father answered, and I They were down very deep in the bog like another world. It was hard to thought he didn’t sound too happy. I now and it was getting harder to throw imagine ordinary places like school squinted round and saw Jack’s sods the sods up. Jack was keeping a close ever existed. I thought grown-ups were huge but there was neither shape eye on my father and I knew he was must surely have a great time. nor make to them. I was going to say doing his level best to cut him out. We rested for half an hour. Nobody something but didn’t. I put extra sods on the barrow, piled said much, just listened to the broad When the seventh spit was cut them as high as I could, raced faster, silence and gazed at the tiny, distant we stopped for more tea. My father but still he kept gaining ground. figures here and there. I did a bit of slipped a bit when he was climbing up Then, for the first time all day, I gazing, too, as I presumed that was to the bank and I gave him a hand. He noticed the odd sod slipping off my the way real bogmen acted. A couple smiled kinda strangely and ruffled my father’s sleán. Also, he never took of crows came out of nowhere and hair. a second look upwards, just kept on hovered above us, watching for scraps. ‘We’ll bottom it this evening,’ Tom flinging as fast as he could – the crown When my father put on his cap it said. Talking big. The head of him! of his peaked cap was all I could see. was time to rise. ‘No bother,’ agreed Jack, marching Once or twice, a sod caught me hard By three o’clock we were down five into the hollow for his shirt. in the face but there was another spit and Jack was still staying tight The grub tasted just as sweet as zooming up before I had time to wipe with my father. I flew in and out of the before. We polished everything off, the stain away. spreadground, not worrying about any not a crumb left, and settled to rest Coming to the end of the tenth spit sods I lost. Once, my hands slipped for a while. I noticed how Jack lay flat they were still neck and neck. ‘Come off the shafts and I ended up with my on his back and closed his eyes. The on, boys, keep your chains up,’ Jack face buried in the damn turf. Tom let big sods had got the better of him, I said, copying a line my father often

14 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 used in fun at the hay. Tom said in the morning, when we’d passed ear then, echoey as bells: ‘He sunk something, too, but I didn’t give a Paudie Scanlon’s gate. I smiled too, the spade in the ridge and said I’m a damn about him. forced myself. done man and then he headed for the On the eleventh spit I knew for sure He cycled a lot slower than on the house’. that my father was done. A lot of his way up, and Jack stayed close beside I felt sad and alone for a few sods hit the side of the steep bank and him all the way – although he could seconds, and I hated Jack even more, landed right back at his feet. The odd have flown on ahead, I’m certain. but then I remembered how my father time he did look up at me his eyes They talked a good bit about different finished that story by saying he never seemed far away and almost sad. His things but I wasn’t really listening. regretted anything as much. face was pure red and his cap was There was a huge crowd in Durcan’s twisted at an odd angle. bar when we went in, all looking like -- Jack finished first but he didn’t bogmen. My father and Jack took A Burst Blister is one of 12 short brag or cheer or anything; neither bottles of beer, myself and Tom had stories taken from Martin Healy’s did Tom, to be fair. When my father orange juice. We sat on a form away collection entitled Waiting for Billy got to the end he climbed up into the on our own in the corner and once & Other Stories, published by The hollow and took off his cap and ran it or twice I thought I saw a hint of my Lilliput Press in 1998. Martin was a over his brow and then said to Jack: father’s normal smile returning. I native of Cloonlurg, Ballymote, and ‘Cut one more off it all, you; that’d think a part of him was proud of Jack. was born in 1957. He won numerous be twelve, we’ll do with that. Meself We passed through Dunbeg at literary prizes, including the 1994 and Brian’ll clean the far bank, get it twenty past eight and finally got Hennessy Award for Dead Fathers. ready for tomorrow.’ His voice was back on the road I knew. My father He received an Arts Council Bursary real normal, same as ever, but we all patted my head and I twisted on the in 1996. He was the short story editor knew what had happened. hard bar, gazed up into his face. I of Force 10. With the publication of I flung the barrow aside and couldn’t wondered if he might have let Jack Martin’s short story collection in 1998 look at him for a few seconds. My best him – surely nobody could top the Irish literary world has come to blister had burst earlier, without me my father at anything? Then, as we know what it lost when Martin Healy noticing it, but I didn’t care about that were freewheeling down the windy died so prematurely in 1997. now. brae by the graveyard, I remembered The story has been reproduced here At seven o’clock we hid the a story he had told me once, while I with the kind permission of Martin’s barrows and sleáns in the hollow and was picking potatoes with him. It was surviving siblings: Mrs Mary got ready for home. My father turned about when he was young, like Jack, Byrnes, Strandhill, Mr Donal Healy, to look back across the spread we had and his own father and himself were Strandhill Rd, Sligo, and Mr Tommy blackened and said: ‘That was one digging together. He’d dug his heart Healy, Tonaphubble, Sligo. Copyright mighty day’s work. Brianeen, you’re out to better his father and finally, in clearance has also been kindly a noble man for the bog.’ He was the evening, he did put him off the provided by the Lilliput Press, Arbour smiling but it wasn’t like the smile ridge. His exact words rang in my Hill, Dublin 7. Francis Taaffe’s Sun Dial By John Coleman Much has been written over the years a house by the side of the road which anyone is aware of the whereabouts of in The Corran Herald about the had a large engraved brass sundial, this unique object which would be of Taaffe family which once held the about one foot square, mounted on great historical interest for Ballymote? titles of baron Ballymote, viscount the top with the name Francis Taaffe If so please contact any memory of the Corran and earl of Carlingford. When inscribed on it and a date in the mid- committee, or email the editor of The I was a schoolboy I liked to take trips 17th century. In recent years I have Corran Herald at stephen.flanagan@ on my bicycle on the byroads around tried to locate the sundial again, but gmail.com. Ballymote. On one such outing I came could not find it. Ballymote Heritage across a gate pillar at the entrance to Group would be interested to know if

15 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The Great Hunger, the Carricks and the Kaveneys of Keash

By Joe McGowan

for example, 75 ships sailed from Tralee to Liverpool, most of which were carrying grain. In the same period, six vessels sailed from Kilrush in Co Clare to Glasgow carrying a total of 6,624 barrels of oats. Throughout 1847 both Indian corn and potatoes were exported from Ireland. A wide variety of other foodstuffs left Ireland apart from livestock – vegetables and pulses (particularly peas, beans and onions), dairy products, fish (especially salmon, oysters and herrings) and even rabbits. In February 1847, 377 boxes of ‘fish and eggs’ and 383 boxes of fish were imported into Bristol alone. The Georges and Mrs Kavanagh with their cousin Pat Ward butter export trade was particularly On the subject of Famine in Ireland, Ports situated in some of the most buoyant. In the first week of 1847, there is one constant question: Why famine-stricken parts of Ireland were for example, 4,455 firkins of butter did so many die in a land of plenty? sending cargoes of foodstuffs to (a firkin equals nine gallons) were George Bernard Shaw Britain via Ballina, Ballyshannon, exported from Ireland to Liverpool. wrote in Man and : Bantry, Dingle, Killala, Kilrush, In the following week, this had risen Malone: ‘My father died of Limerick, Sligo, Tralee, Westport and to 4,691 firkins. Large quantities of starvation in Ireland in the Black so on. In the first nine months of 1847, butter were exported from Cork to ‘47. Maybe you’ve heard of it?’ Violet: ‘The Famine?’ Malone (with smouldering passion): ‘No, the Black Starvation. When a country is full of food and exporting it, there can be no Famine.” At the height of the Great Hunger, Alexander Somerville, reporting in the Manchester Examiner, wrote of exporting grain from Ireland that it ‘was the case in 1846 and the year before; and even in 1847, oats have been sent from Westport to England, where they are in demand, at high prices, for horses …’ (1) In 1847, the worst year of the Famine, an incredible 4,000 vessels carried food from Ireland to the major ports of Britain: Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool and London. (2) Georges, Mrs Kavanagh and Pat Ward

16 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 all parts of Britain. In the first nine months of 1847, 56,557 firkins of butter were exported to Bristol and 34,852 firkins to Liverpool. During the same period, 3,435 poultry were exported to Liverpool and 2,375 to Bristol. (3) In an editorial written at the height of the famine reported that ‘the landlords must get their rent and their arrears of rent, so to meet their demands the grain must be sold – the grain will be sent out of Ireland to feed English horses … The tenant will have to make out provision for his family without money, without grain or the potato to fall back upon.’ Sympathetic views towards the Irish were not popular with the ruling classes. Somerville’s honesty brought poverty, obscurity and social Left to right: Georges, Gearoid O’Halloran, local historian, Joe Mc ostracism when he continued to report Gowan in the Manchester Examiner what he ashore. midst of all this diplomatic action, saw in Ireland during the famine years. The Sligo Champion in its editorial the tenants on his estates in Ireland – An Englishman himself, and born into of 11 September 1847 reported the 20,000 acres and some 14,000 people deep poverty, he was finally forced to deplorable condition of Palmerston’s – were a mere sideshow, pretty much emigrate, and died in destitution in a tenants aboard the Richard Watts left to his solicitors in Dublin and his squalid boarding house in Toronto in waiting to be shipped out of Sligo land agents in Sligo. 1885. harbour. Knowing that Palmerston The Lady Sale disembarked received copies of the paper, they in September with close to 400 A Litany of Tragedy implored him as a reader of the passengers. Perley, the emigration The Larch left Sligo port on 11 July, Champion not to allow these people to agent at the port, reported that he 1847, with 440 passengers in steerage. ‘face the ruthless whims and tempests had never seen such abject misery. Of these, 113 died during the passage. of the fierce Atlantic without money, Blaming it on the ‘heartless character On arrival in Quebec, 24 died on the clothes or food.’ of the person sending them’, he wrote ship while waiting to disembark, and Henry John Temple, III Viscount that they did not have ‘enough clothes a further 62 died in the hospital on Palmerston (1784-1865), was one of for decency and the master had Grosse Ile. the most powerful British politicians bought a quantity of red flannel shirts On 16 May, the Aldebaran arrived of the time. Serving twice as Prime and blue trousers so that they could from Sligo with 418 passengers. Of Minister, Palmerston was in political land without exposure.’ The doctor at these, 36 died on route, 105 were sick office almost continuously from 1807 quarantine called them a ‘freight of on arrival, and more than 80 of them until 1865. As Foreign Secretary, he paupers’. subsequently died in quarantine. dealt with political crises in Europe, the Even worse was to come with the The Lord Ashburton arrived in Middle East, Asia and North America, arrival of the Aeolus on 1 November Quebec in October of 1847 with 477 including the First Opium War (1839- of that year to New Brunswick. It had passengers aboard. One hundred and 1842) and the establishment of a on board 428 of Lord Palmerston’s seven died on the voyage of fever British colony in Hong Kong (1842). tenants, a cargo of young families, and dysentery; on arrival 174 of As Home Secretary (1852-1855) and widows, decrepit old women and the passengers, widows and young then Prime Minister (1855-1858), he men riddled with disease. The Bay of children, ‘the aged, destitute and stage-managed Britain’s involvement Fundy was icebound, the streets knee decrepit’, were found to be almost in the Crimean War (1853-1856), deep in snow and the passengers in a naked. Eighty seven had to be clothed the Second Opium War (1856-1860) state of nudity. The City of St John had by charity before they were allowed and the Indian Mutiny (1857). In the to take them into care and, outraged,

17 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 sent a scathing letter to Palmerston expressing regret and fury that he, or his agents, ‘should have exposed such a numerous and distressed portion of his tenantry to the severity and privation of a New Brunswick winter …unprovided with the common means of support, with broken down constitutions and almost in a state of nudity … without regard to humanity or even common decency.’ The Health Officer reported: ‘There are many superannuated people, and others of broken-down constitutions, and subjects of chronic disease, lame, widows with very helpless families, feeble men (through chronic disease, etc.) with large helpless families … and that nearly 400 so glaring paupers are thus sent out. Who so tame as would not feel indignant at the outrage?’ ‘If crosses and tombs could be The gates to Classiebawn are closed erected on water,’ wrote the U.S. and in 1848 an editorial boasted: ‘A feet of draft under load. Her length commissioner for immigration, ‘the Celt will soon be as rare on the banks was 87 feet, with a width of 26 feet. whole route of the emigrant vessels... of the Shannon as the red man on the Her hull was sheathed with copper would long since have assumed the banks of Manhattan.’ in 1830 and again in 1836. She appearance of a crowded cemetery.’ underwent repairs and received a new Charles E Trevelyan, who served The Carricks deck in 1829, and also received a new under both Peel and Russell at the This then is the setting for the coffin deck, top sides and new sheathing in Treasury, and had prime responsibility ships that left our bountiful shores 1836. When wrecked in 1847 she was for famine relief in Ireland, was clear with their tens of thousands of famine an old vessel of 35 years of age. (5) about God’s role in all of this: emigrants, the context in which the In early April 1847, probably the 5th, ‘The judgement of God sent the coffin ship the Carricks sailed away the Carricks sailed from Sligo port, calamity to teach the Irish a lesson,’ from Sligo Harbour in that fateful bound for Quebec, under the command he said. “That calamity must not be year of 1847. of Capt R Thompson. She was too much mitigated … The real evil The Carricks was a two-masted brig severely overcrowded with tenants with which we have to contend is not (4) of 242 tons, built at Workington, from the estates of Lord Palmerston, the physical evil of the Famine, but England, in 1812. Ships like this were John Henry Temple, British Foreign the moral evil of the selfish, perverse expressly built for the purpose of Secretary at the time. On board there and turbulent character of the people.’ carrying Canadian lumber to England. were 173 passengers plus the crew Queen Victoria’s economist, Nassau They were then quickly refitted to members, for about 187 in total. Senior, expressed his fear that existing carry emigrants, effectively as ballast, These passengers came from policies ‘will not kill more than one on the return voyage. Palmerston estates all over Sligo. million Irish in 1848 and that will In early 1832, at the outbreak of the They included Patrick Kaveney and scarcely be enough to do much good.’ cholera epidemic in Quebec, Potts Sarah McDonald and their six children Thomas Carlyle, influential British and Co were registered owners of – five daughters aged between two essayist, wrote: ‘Ireland is like a half- the Carricks. Capt J Potts and Capt J and ten, and a twelve-year-old son. starved rat that crosses the path of an Hudson were listed as masters. In 1840 Also among the passengers were elephant. What must the elephant do? she was registered at Whitehaven, the Fureys and the Brennans from Squelch it – by heavens – squelch it.’ UK, still owned by James Potts and Drumharnaght; Murrays and Cawleys ‘Total Annihilation’, suggested The Co, and was then under the command from Knockrower; the Healeys Times leader of 2 September 1846, of Capt Robert Dawes. She had 14 and O’Connors from Tunnagh; the

18 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Filans and Hines from Knockaskagh; the Heraughtys and Hartes from Island; the Gallaghers and Mullens from Creevykeel; Meehans from Drumfad and Murrays from Mullaghmore. In total, approximately 2,000 tenant farmers, from Lord Palmerston’s estates, were shipped out from Sligo in 1847. Many of the tragedies of that time were memorialised in verse and song by fireside poets. One such ballad memorialises an incident concerning a who lived at the foot of Corran: Gearoid O’Halloran assists Pat Ward in bringing the coals home to the old Kaveny homestead. It was an old tradition that when families left they brought some live coals from their hearth to a neighbour’s house. If they The tyrant miser inspects his treasure ever returned they would take the coals back home – the living flame. And to his horror before his view There’s still a thousand that’s No priest to comfort, no friend to Gulf of St Lawrence. The captain, uncompleted grieve. having lost his way in poor visibility, That needs the aid of a pound or two In a kneeling posture he was was wrecked on a reef about four discovered miles East of Cap des Rosier at the tip Then in an instant the devil whispered On a tragic morning one Christmas of the Gaspe peninsula. Numbers of (His constant comrade both night and Eve souls lost vary with different reports; day.) – Author unknown however, it appears that of the 176 ‘Do you not remember that wretch in passengers embarked at Sligo, nine Corran What was the voyage like aboard one had already died on the voyage and Who owes you rent why not make him of these ships? From a contemporary a further 119 died due to the wreck, pay?’ account we get this description: leaving 48 survivors. Of the crew, all ‘Before the emigrant is at sea a week survived except for one boy. The pale cheeks of that craven miser he is an altered man. How can it be Among those saved by locals (the Were set a-glowing with hellish glee otherwise; hundreds of poor people, Whalens and the Packwoods) and who ‘That’s right’ he answered, ‘the law is men, women and children of all ages, stayed and settled at Jersey Cove were with me, from the drivelling idiot of ninety to Patrick Kaveney and his wife, Sarah Though Christmas it is I will decree!’ the babe just born, huddled together MacDonald, and one of their sons without light, without air, wallowing Martin, aged 12. Five others of their In a wretched hovel at the foot of in filth and breathing in a fetid children were among those drowned Cauran atmosphere, sick in body, dispirited in the wreck. Where the joys of Christmas were in heart, the fevered patients lying Local man Donald Delisle revealed things unknown, between the sound, in sleeping places at an anniversary mass celebrated in A hapless Christian in a mood of so narrow as to deny them the power April 2007 the strange experience sorrow of indulging, by a change of position, of Father Doolan on the night of the Knelt down to pray on a cold the natural restlessness of the disease; tragedy. Fr Doolan was parish priest hearthstone by their agonised ravings disturbing for the district and based in nearby those around; living without food or Douglastown. On the night of the The kneeling figure’s tattered garments medicine except as administered by the tragedy he was in Grande Greve Were stung with blasts of falling snow casual hand of charity, dying without approximately ten miles from Cap des But soon a wolf in a garb of justice the voice of spiritual consolation, and Rosier. Startled from his sleep with With a Civil Bill dealt a fatal blow. buried in the deep without the last a strange premonition of disaster he rites of the Church…’ announced: He faints in anguish, his heart is On the 28 April 1847, the Carricks ‘I have to go to Cap des Rosier, I’m broken ran into a severe snowstorm in the needed there.’

19 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

He was so forceful about it that he was immediately taken to the place. On arriving at the horrible scene, his worst fears were confirmed and he immediately set about administering to the survivors and praying for the drowned. Delisle related that on the night of the wreck, a storm had descended on Gaspe, causing the ship’s rigging to freeze: ‘It was snowing and freezing and all the rigging froze up and they had no control of the ship’s steerage. She was driven in by the force of the storm,’ he said. The first person to come across the tragic scene was Irish priest and Douglastown native, Rev Father Doolan, who ‘found one of the victims in almost pitiable condition, his feet lacerated and bleeding from cuts by the rocks. The good Irish priest, taking the shoes from his own feet, put them on the poor man and, walking barefooted himself, led him to a place of refuge.’ Following this incident, according to local lore, he was so traumatised by the experience that he never again said Mass. Local fishermen saved 48 passengers, but 87 bodies were washed ashore in the following days and buried in a mass grave. Quebec’s Morning Chronicle reported the loss of 119 passengers and one crew member. The ship’s captain reported that out of 167 passengers only 48 reached the shore. A letter dated 19 May, 1847, states that ‘Little will be saved, but what there is, together with the wreck, will be sold for the benefit of all concerned on Saturday next.’ (6) Two months later 36 survivors moved on to Quebec and beyond. On 8 July, 21 left aboard the Maria Julia. A week later 15 others left on the Emerald. A dozen survivors An eviction notice from Palmerston’s estate settled around Douglastown and other locations on the Gaspe Peninsula. success, Patrick Kaveney eventually His wife, Sarah, gave birth to four After appealing to an official succeeded in taking over a farm that other children between 1848 and (seigneurie) for land, without was abandoned by Jersey fishermen. 1855. While she was pregnant with

20 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

ago and the strange experience of Fr Doolan of Douglastown on the night of the 28 April, 1847.’ A young lady who recited a poem in Gaelic was a member of the Mirimachi Irish dancers, who had performed at Douglastown the night before. After the Mass a few brave souls proceeded to the monument site. At the site Gerald Gaul from Douglastown read a salutation from Sligo sent by the Co Sligo Famine Committee in both English and French. It was well received by those attending and read as follows: ‘Fraternal greetings from Sligo to our brothers and sisters in Gaspe. One hundred and sixty years after the event it is a wonderful and moving thing that you have not forgotten the tragedy that befell so many when the Carricks Pat Ward explaining to Georges how they come to be related of Whitehaven, full of Sligo people her fourth child, tragedy struck again. who left Ireland only to be dashed fleeing from famine, was wrecked on On 16 March, 1855, Patrick left on the inhospitable rocks on a your shores. Your hearts were big in Jersey Cove to celebrate St Patrick’s foreign shore. The incident is vividly your generous response then, and it is Day with an Irish community in remembered and commemorated very touching that the same generosity Douglastown, a day’s walk away. The by the descendants of the survivors exists among your people today. journey took him over the tip of the in Canada each year. The bell of the Hopefully sometime in the near future Appalachians and across the frozen ship was found in Blanc Sablon, our towns will be twinned – united in bay of Gaspé. He never reached his on the North shore of the Gulf of St kinship and historic and fateful events destination. Four days later his body Lawrence, by Mr Alphonse Ruest, that have brought us together. Until was found on the ice. It seems he on September 24 1966, and ended that time when our ties and bonds are had lost his way in a fog and became up in Cap des Rosiers where it was strengthened forever I wish you hearts disoriented. Losing track of where incorporated in the monument. and hands across the water. God bless the opposite shore was, he circled on Special events are held there every you all.’ the ice until it cracked beneath him. year to mark anniversaries of the A representative of the Canadian Patrick’s wife Sarah was left to raise sinking. Donald Delisle sent this Government presented a new Irish their children without him. She died account of the ‘day of reflection flag to the group that flies proudly aged 85 in 1889. Her grave overlooks and celebration’ held there recently: now over a little bit of Ireland that the sea that took her five daughters in ‘The rain poured down on the day, is the monument at Cap des Rosiers. the April gale in 1847. (7) causing us to reflect on that fateful The Parish of St Patrick’s, day and possibly similar conditions A Poignant Homecoming Montreal, erected a monument in when the Carricks of Whitehaven The arrival of George Kavanagh 1900 honouring the deceased. An was washed up on our shore. Mass and his family to Sligo in May 2015 Irish flag flies there 365 days a year. was celebrated by Fr Allard in the brought the wheel full circle. After an The monument’s inscription reads: morning and attended by over 100 absence of 168 years, the francophone Sacred to the memory of 187 Irish people, many of them descendants descendants of Patrick Kaveney and Immigrants from Sligo wrecked here of the survivors. The Lord’s Prayer Sarah McDonald from Keash crossed on April 28th 1847. Ship Carricks of was recited, trilingually, in French, the Atlantic to visit the homestead Whitehaven 87 are buried here. Pray English and Irish. The choir at the their forbears were forced to leave for their souls. church, from Douglastown, sang during the height of the Great Hunger. The monument serves as a reminder many Irish songs. In his sermon Fr This came about as part of a of the fate of these unfortunate Irish Allard recalled the events of 160 years documentary film project funded

21 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 by the Quebec government and awaited. a safe resting place for the bodies directed by Professor Gearóid Ó Bodies Discovered there,” George Kavanagh said. “We hAllmhuráin, an anthropologist at And still the story continues. speak only of the bones since their the School of Canadian Irish Studies According to the Canadian newspaper discovery, very little of the wreck is at Concordia University in Montreal. the National Post, on Wednesday 27 known, not even the exact date of the Interestingly, while most famine July 2016, over a century and a half sinking.” emigrants from the West of Ireland after the wreck, the Parks Canada “When I was little and we passed left home as Irish speakers in the archaeologist Martin Perron was near the monument to the Irish, my 1840s and integrated into life in at Cap-des-Rosiers to monitor the grandfather spoke to us of a mass the New World as anglophones, the moving of the Carricks monument as grave,” he says. Irish-speaking Kaveneys left Sligo part of counter-erosion work. While His grandfather was Arthur to become French-speaking farmers, digging an exploratory trench, Mr Kavanagh, born in 1872. Mr Kavanagh fishermen and shopkeepers in Perron discovered human bones. In lent credence to the words of his Quebec’s Gaspé peninsula – without the weeks that followed archaeologists grandfather, but has long clashed with ever learning English. identified the skeletons of four adults authorities who had doubts about the Patrick Kaveney and his family left and three children or small people story. “Parks Canada has often spoken Cross, near Keash, on a morning early Archaeologists have also identified of the grave as a popular belief. It in April 1847, and walked the twenty the fragments of an eighth skeleton has even been said to me that there miles to the port of Sligo. Now, their which appears to be that of an adult. has already been some research, and direct descendant, Georges Kavanagh, Skeletons are placed perpendicular to nothing was found. With the discovery arrived to see for himself what the sea, feet towards the ocean. “They in recent days of that grave,” says remained of the culture his great-great are side by side”, entangled together, Kavanagh, “it is confirmation that grandparents brought with them to the describes Mr Perron. They lie between we had correctly identified the right New World. 85cm one metre deep. place.” A retired civil servant, Kavanagh Archaeologists photographed “The grave should be with the is an amateur historian and a gifted the bones and drew up surveys of monument,” he said, “not in the storyteller with an astute sense of the position of the bodies. They cemetery of Cap-des-Rosiers. My the past. Now in his seventies and a will be exhumed and shipped personal opinion is that they were not fourth-generation Quebecois of Irish to the Conservation Centre and citizens of Cap-des-Rosiers. It was origin, he has devoted over 50 years to Parks Canada collection in Ottawa not their goal, they got there by pure preserving his family history – a story where bone specialists will analyse accident, in catastrophe.” of diaspora that began in Sligo in them to determine the age and Referring to his visit to Sligo, he April 1847, yet one that never found sex of individuals, as well as the said: “We were able to set foot on land its way into official narratives of the approximate date of burial. ‘Then that belonged to Patrick Kavanagh, famine tragedy. work will continue north and south [of the original emigrant, and that meant On Saturday, 15 May 2016, the discovery] to find other bodies,” says everything to us.” Kavanaghs visited the ancestral home Perron. in Cross and later attended a music Perron has dug graves and conducted -- session at the Fox and Hounds pub investigations in Quebec and Syria. owned by their cousin, Pat Ward. The But the emotion remains, he said. “It’s (1) Letters from Ireland during the Famine following day they visited the port a very emotional part of my work and of 1847, Alexander Somerville. Edited by of Sligo from where the Carricks a little solemn, the body is approached DKM Snell. sailed, and the old workhouse where with respect.” (2) History Ireland, September/October thousands of famine victims lie buried Of the probability that it is the graves 2016 Vol 24 No. 5 (3) in mass graves. of those lost from the shipwreck of Kinealy, Christine, This Great Calamity (4) They also visited Mullaghmore to the Carricks he says: “I think the Square sails on both masts (5) see – from a distance – Palmerston’s chances are almost 100%, but I prefer Personal communication with Parks Dept, Canada mansion, where the ghosts of royalty to complete the analysis of field and (6) Quebec Gazette #6669 11/06/1847 still preside in a world far removed laboratory first.” Page 2, Col. 4C. from the small towns of Sligo and the The discovery of the grave brings (7) Ref: Professor Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin, fishing villages of Gaspé. However strong emotions to the descendants MA, HDE, DUEF, MBA, PhD, La Chaire the gate was closed and no welcome, of the survivors. “It brings hope of Johnson en études canado-irlandaises au apology or expression of regret solving the mystery and providing Québec

22 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The History of the World in the Book of Ballymote

By Elizabeth Boyle - Department of Early Irish, Maynooth University

The magnificent, 14th-century material which modern academics until the Judgement when our Lord manuscript known as the Book of call ‘synthetic world history’, that is, will come to judge the living and the Ballymote, now preserved in the the synthesis of a range of medieval dead in the world through fire. Finit. Royal Irish Academy Library in historical sources underpinned by a This text gives two different Dublin, is one of the cultural jewels of biblical scheme. What is striking is versions of a biblical chronological late medieval Ireland. It was produced the outward-looking nature of this scheme: the first extends from Adam at Ballymote Castle around the year material. Scribes were not simply to the preaching of Christ and ends 1391, and is an iconic artefact, well- interested in Ireland’s own history, with the present day of the author – known for its striking illumination. but in how Ireland related to the rest ‘Since the Passion of Christ, 900 years But while many people will be of the world. have passed’ – which therefore tells us familiar with the Book of Ballymote Many of the historical texts that this text was first written in the as a historical object, fewer are contained within the manuscript early tenth century. The second gives familiar with the actual contents of the are somewhat dry (one might even the common medieval idea of the ‘six manuscript. What exactly is written in say boring!), since they consist of ages of the world’, which conceives the Book of Ballymote? Most of the chronologies, and calculations of how of world history as consisting of six texts contained within the manuscript the events of one culture’s history – ages, with the current ‘age’ as the are written in Old Irish (the form of the Greeks, for example – coincided sixth and final one. While this is a Irish used from c. 600 – c. 900 AD) with those of the histories of other Latin, prose text of the tenth century, or Middle Irish (c. 900 – c. 1200), cultures – such as the Jewish people, the text which immediately follows it but some are in Latin. It is clear that or the Romans. Here, for example, is in the manuscript is in Irish, written many of the texts are much older than a translation of a Latin text from folio in verse, and can be dated to the 12th the manuscript itself and so they must 5 of the manuscript: century. In spite of the differences of have been copied from earlier written From Adam until the Flood: 1656 language and form, however, it still sources. The manuscript contains a years; from the Flood to Abraham: reflects the same interest in historical wide range of important medieval 942 years; from Abraham to Moses: chronology. Here is the poem in grammatical, poetic, topographical, 600 years; from Moses to Solomon English translation: genealogical and historical writings. and the first building of the Temple: The subject of the present essay is 488 years; from Solomon to the Fifty-six years together the last of these: history, as it was transmigration to Babylon which on six hundred on a thousand understood from the perspective of was done under Darius king of the from the creation of Adam without 14th-century Ballymote. Persians: 512 years are reckoned. blemish Then from King Darius to the until the Flood drowned the earth. Biblical history preaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Bible provided the fundamental and to the tenth year of the rule of Ninety-two years – it is no lie – chronological framework within the Emperor Tiberius, 548 years are on two hundred, for keeping; which all of history was conceived in completed. Thus at the same time it is true – as I reckon – to say medieval Ireland. The Old Testament there are from Adam to the preaching from the Flood until Abraham. myths of Creation and the Flood, of Christ, and the tenth year of the Forty-two fair years the accounts of the Jewish Exodus Roman emperor Tiberius, 5228 years. and nine hundred years and Babylonian Captivity, were Since the Passion of Christ, 900 years from the birth of Abraham without believed to be literally true, and gave have passed. anger all of world history its order and Moreover, the first age of the world until David was made king. shape. Biblical history was expertly was from Adam to Noah; the second Seventy-three full years interwoven and juxtaposed with from Noah to Abraham; the third from on three hundred completely Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Roman Abraham to David; the fourth from from when David of the rhymes was history, along with Irish and British David to Daniel; the fifth age until inaugurated history, in order to form a body of John the Baptist; the sixth from John until Jerusalem was destroyed.

23 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Eighty-one complete years on three hundred – it is not the same length – from the end of the Captivity onwards since Christ was born as our lord. Three thousand years – it is no lie – fifty-two years, nine hundred until he was born – he is a full lamb – from when the world of noble aspect was created. One hundred years and a great thousand since the truly perfect king was born until this year – I have it – twenty years, six years.

This last stanza dates this poem to the year 1126, some two hundred years later than the text which precedes it, and yet the relationship between the two texts in terms of theme and content is clear. These two texts are simple enumerations of biblical chronology, but others become far more complex as they begin to interweave the histories of various cultures. For example, a text beginning with the words Prima etas mundi, to which modern scholars have given the catchy title ‘Synchronisms A’, states: The Assyrians had thirty-five kings: 1240 years was their rule. From the end of the sovereignty of the Assyrians A page from the Book of Ballymote until the first Olympic Games by the We can see here that the author is Cyrus is the only non-Jew in the Greeks: forty-three years. From the particularly interested in the kingship Bible to be given the title messiah first Olympiad to the Captivity of of Babylon. Kingship of Babylon was (‘annointed one’). One of the most the Ten Tribes: 156 years. From the held first by the Assyrians, who were important historical texts in the Book Captivity of the Ten Tribes until the then overthrown by the Achaemenid of Ballymote is the Sex aetates mundi burning of the Temple: thirty-six Empire (i.e. the Medes and Persians). (‘Six Ages of the World’). In spite of years. 442 years the Temple was, after But the author mentions other its Latin title, this work is written in being built until it was burnt. From important events from Greek and Irish and was originally composed in the burning of the Temple until the end Jewish history: the Olympic Games, the 11th century. It survives in many of the sovereignty of the Medes: thirty the building and burning and renewing different manuscripts, but the version years. Eight kings ruled from the of the Temple. Other historical texts in the Book of Ballymote contains a Medes: 159 years for them. From the in the manuscript display an interest unique narrative about Cyrus’s attack end of the sovereignty of the Medes in particular kings and emperors. on Babylon: until the release from the Babylonian One such king is Cyrus II, founder It is this, then, which caused Cyrus’s Captivity and the renewing of the of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th strong-arm tactics on the River Temple: forty years. From the century B.C. Euphrates. An enormous hosting renewing of the Temple until the end was ordered by Cyrus to seek the of the sovereignty of the Persians: Cyrus the Great sovereignty of India, so that they three hundred [years]: that is, twelve According to the Hebrew Bible, it happened upon the River Ganges – kings ruled from the Persians. 231 was Cyrus who released the Jews that is one of the great rivers of the years was their sovereignty. ... from their Babylonian exile, and world – and Cyrus sent a group of his

24 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 company to find out whether the river connections with ancient Greek and In this way, Ninus, Semiramis and was traversable by them. Cyrus’s Roman material. Again, this is further Nenyus are integrated into biblical foster-brother went ahead in a group evidence of the outward-looking, history and chronology through their of twelve soldiers, and it is thus that international nature of history-writing significant roles in the history of the they went: on their twelve bright in medieval Ireland. city of Babylon: we might compare horses. And the strength of the river and contrast the treatment of Ninus overwhelmed them and they were all The Assyrian Empire with the treatment of Cyrus who, as drowned. Cyrus’s reign marked the beginning of we have seen, was also integral to the His company drowning in his the Achaemenid Empire and brought history of Babylon at the time of the presence, and the fact that he could about the end of the Assyrian Empire. Jewish captivity. not help them, put the mind of the king Thus it marks a significant turning In Synchonisms B, Ninus’s reign is into dejection. They were fasting for a point from one powerful ancient aligned with the birth of Abraham. The period of three days and three nights empire to another. The beginning of juxtaposing of the life of Abraham – on the bank of the river and the king Assyrian rule was marked by the reign the first Jewish Patriarch – with that of did not speak to anyone of his hosts of another significant king who, unlike Ninus – the first Assyrian emperor – is for that period of time, but he was Cyrus, cannot be securely identified also seen in a 12th-century Irish poem examining and searching thereat, in any reliable historical sources. This about Ninus, preserved in the Book of what he would do to the river that had king is called Ninus son of Belus, Ballymote. This is a long poem, but a drowned his company. and he seems to be more mythical couple of verses will suffice: The nobles of the Persians and the than real. We find a mention of him Twenty-one years of famous valour Medes were brought to meet him and in another historical tract in the Book for Ninus at the birth of Abraham. it is this which he said: “I vow”, he of Ballymote, which modern scholars We remember it without deceptive said, “that I will not go from this river have entitled ‘Synchronisms B’: fame, until weak women and children may Shem: Asshur was a son of his; the books fully verifying it. go across it on foot”. Belus was a son of his; Ninus was a Sixty splendid years There are many elements of this son of the latter. The last was the first of the age of noble Abraham; passage which are noteworthy. First king of the world. In the eleventh year at the coming of Partholón of the is the Indian setting of the story, the after the birth of Ninus son of Belus bright landing place episode taking place on the banks of was the death of Cham and Iafeth. the strength of his deadly great host the Ganges. We might note here the In the year after them, Ninus son of was famous. error of the Irish author: we have Belus assuming kingship; that is, in The historical texts from the Book some Classical Greek and Roman the twenty-first year of the kingship of of Ballymote which I have discussed versions of a story about Cyrus and Ninus, the birth of Abraham. 948 years here lend legitimacy, weight and a a river, but in those the event is said from Adam to the birth of Abraham. – chronological framework for other to have occurred at the Gyndes. Our Semiramis, wife of Ninus: forty-two concerns within the manuscript, such Irish author, by stating that the river is years. By her the wall of Babylon was as genealogy, political relationships, in India and is one of the major rivers made. And she took her own son to language and geography. But I of the world, has clearly mistaken her as a husband, that is, Ninyus, and would also suggest, in the way that that for the similar-sounding Ganges. she died after that. the historical material is framed Another difference between the Irish Aside from the mythical Ninus, and articulated in the Book of version of the story and the Classical the author mentions his son Ninyas, Ballymote, that the scribes wished versions is that the Greek and Roman and Semiramis, who was wife to to convey a message, namely, that authors – Herodotus and Seneca – both of them (medieval authors were empires collapse, dynasties rise and state that it is Cyrus’s special white particularly interested in the salacious fall, kingships fail, kings die, and horse that drowned, but the Irish detail of Ninyas marrying his own kingdoms are destroyed. The historical author is clearly of the opinion that mother!). The primary significance texts in the manuscript remind us that it is the drowning of Cyrus’s foster- of Ninus for Irish authors is that he is the structures of earthly power are brother that causes Cyrus’s grief regarded as the first ‘king of the world’, transient. Someone like Ninus might and subsequent rage. Two important that is the first king of the first empire, found an empire, but in time a Cyrus conclusions can be drawn: first, that that of the Assyrians. However, he is would come along to destroy it and the medieval Irish author is interested also considered, particularly in the found an equally fragile dynasty of enough in Cyrus’s kingship to include Irish Sex aetates mundi, as having his own. As the scribes of the Book this narrative about him in his text, rebuilt the city of Babylon. Or, in of Ballymote presented their noble and second, that he has access to some Synchronisms B, as we have seen, patron with this magnificent object, sources which, although we cannot his wife, Semiramis, is credited they were also reminding him of the identify them precisely, have close with building the wall of Babylon. limitations of worldly power.

25 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Natural champions of pollution solutions!

On 18 May 2016 the Nature Nerdz from Ballymote became ECO- UNESCO Young Environmentalist All-Ireland Super-Junior Champions! The Nature Nerdz, all students in 6th class at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, won the prestigious prize for their project ‘There is always a Solution for Pollution’. The project was co- ordinated by Ballymote Community Librarian Louise McGrath, Principal Dolores Taheny and Heritage in Schools expert Michael Bell. At the beginning of their project the children got together to discuss what environmental issues they would like to address and how to go about making a difference to Nature Nerdz: ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist All-Ireland their local environment. All agreed Super-Junior Winners 2016. that littering and other pollution Back row L - R: Kian Reynolds, Sean Woods, Christopher Downes. was something that concerned them Front row L - R: Grace McGlinchy, Nicola , Elizabeth Tighe, Naoise greatly. However, rather than focus on Kelly, Jenny Waters a negative message, the group decided and treats to be presented to various Refreshments were provided before to make the public more aware and workers that help the environment in the gifts were handed out. appreciative of the beautiful nature the local community. Joe Helder and The activities of the Nature Nerdz of Ballymote Town Park by holding a Catherine Fanning of the Primary were documented and sent to ECO- nature event there. Colours Arts Education in Schools UNESCO for judging. The Nature At the event they also decided they Programme provided guidance Nerdz were invited to present their would show their appreciation for making the sculptures and presents. project at the Connaught Regional the people who work to make the Over 100 members of the local Final and ultimately at the All Ireland park and the rest of the town more community turned out on 20th Final in the Mansion House in Dublin. beautiful. The children made willow February for the event. A guided nature Projects from all across the country sculptures with natural materials to walk high-lighting the wildlife of the were on display and the Nerdz had to be displayed in the park along with park was followed by the children compete against many worthy projects a willow dome. They also made gifts performing their self-produced before being judged the All-Ireland that included wool-wrapped soap play ‘Ballymote Litter Forecast’. Super-Junior Award Winners 2016! Lanzarote By John Hannon The 307 gliding birdlike, banked Amid rows of palm trees like limp Lineker’s Bar heaving with cheering sharply flags English aficionados Dark vulcanised soil beckoned And the euphoric emotions of sunny Returning revellers exiting the Irish seductively climes. bars White sepulchred dwellings come Strolling couples, toddlers and High on spirits of emotion into view families Calling out in the brightness of the Cocooned in the midday shimmering Crossing out the ugliness of their dawn sun. lives Amid the strip’s pulsating, throbbing, A bus glides through the frenzied In this hard-edged world. discoed music activities of the strip Novels, suntan lotion and poolside -- The hideous sounds of business, languor June 2010 anger and command

26 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Corporal John Fallon – The only Ranger in a family of soldiers

By Padraig Deignan

Some of my earliest memories are sporting circles. He was chairman of posted to the Inniskillen Fusiliers of my great grandfather John Fallon. Sligo Rovers Football Club for many in November 1914. He was later I remember him a being a very kind years and also devoted practically all transferred in June 1915 after training and generous man who loved us kids. of his spare time to local charities. with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. I spent a lot of time as a boy in my He worked selflessly for the Nazareth Jimmy later landed at Suvla Bay, 5km great-grand-parents’ house at 34 St House and the Marist Brothers. But north of Anzac Cove where John was Anne’s Terrace, Sligo, because for the the part of his life that moulded him landing. I always wondered did they first four years of my life my parents and stayed with him to the day he died know at the time they were so close. lived around the corner at number 11. was the time he spent as a Connaught He was posted to the 5th Service I recall some notable events such as Ranger fighting against the Turks and Battalion of the Connaught Rangers Christmas and birthdays there. I even Germans in Gallipoli, and against the at Galway and began his training as remember one , it must Bulgarians and their German allies in a Ranger. In March 1915 he appeared have been either 1978 or 1979, when Salonika. to have incurred the wrath of the my great grandfather dressed up as a When the call to arms sounded in army authorities for overstaying his ghost and pretended to scare us all! 1914, John and four of his pals went leave and was sentenced to 96 hours Of course then I knew nothing of his to join the Connaught Rangers. They of detention, seven days confined to service in the First World War or how caught the train from Sligo to Boyle, barracks and deprived of 29 days’ important a man he had become in where they enlisted on 5 September pay at the Curragh on 9 March 1915. his hometown of Sligo. When John 1914, less than a month shy of his His offence was overstaying his sick died in September 1980, he had lived 17th birthday. He lied about his age, furlough from 8 February until 8 a very long and eventful life. He telling the recruiting staff that he March 1915. This was the time John had involved himself in the turmoil was born in 1895 and was therefore married Margaret Forde in Sligo on and confusion of the Great War as a 19 years and three months old. It 24 February 1915. teenager and in his later years he went appeared he went for the adventure of on to become the ‘grand old man’ of it all – at home he had a good job as Sligo politics. a baker, so it wasn’t because he had In the political and local government no prospects. I’m sure he also heard area he was a long-serving member many stories of German atrocities in of the Fine Gael party. He was Belgium and that Belgium was a small also a prominent member of Sligo Catholic country like Ireland. His Corporation and Sligo County father, James, was also a supporter of Council from 1934 until his death. John O’Dowd and of Home Rule, and He was chairman of the council for a the party leader Redmond had called long number of years and was twice on Nationalists to join up to support elected mayor of Sligo, in 1968 and Home Rule. His brother Patrick, who 1977. He served on numerous local served in the Boer War as part of the authority committees including the Inniskillen Fusiliers, must have made Town and County VECs, the County the biggest impact on his decision to Committee of Agriculture, Sligo join, especially listening to his tales of Harbour Board and the Sligo Local involvement in the Battle of Colenso Health Advisory Committee. His and the Relief of Ladysmith. Patrick interest in local matters did not end was a sergeant and also served in there, however. John was an Alderman the Great War and was awarded the on Sligo Corporation during most of Military Medal. His other brother his career and was also well known in James (Jimmy) also enlisted and was John as Mayor of Sligo

27 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

In March 1915 he was based at the He spent a few months there and Curragh and in May 1915 he was visited Sligo, where he once again got transferred to New Park Camp in into trouble while visiting Margaret Basingstoke, where he was promoted on their first wedding anniversary. He to Provisional Lance Corporal. In was reprimanded by Colonel Chamier June 1915 he was promoted to Acting at Galway on 6 March 1916 for being Corporal and attached to A Company. absent from tattoo from 24 February John embarked for Gallipoli on 9 to 4 March 1916. He was sent to July 1915, but stopped at Mudros in Kinsale and got into trouble again for Greece before the Gallipoli landings being absent from tattoo from 21 June so the unit could regroup and carry to 27 June 1916, and was punished out some basic manoeuvres. The by forfeiting seven days’ pay. He was Connaught Rangers landed at Anzac posted back to the 5th Connaught Cove, Gallipoli, from the SS Clacton Rangers Battalion in August 1916. on 6 August, 1915. Many of the men They had been transferred from became sick due to dysentery and Gallipoli to Salonika in Greece and cholera and John was listed as ‘badly were part of the allied force that sick and was vomiting’. were trying to halt the German and In August 2009, 94 years later Bulgarian offensive into Greece. almost to the day, I visited the exact In an interview on radio with Gay spot in Turkey where John and his Byrne in 1975, the 60th anniversary fellow Rangers landed. It was a hot, John Fallon and his sister, Agnes of the landings and also John and dry and forbidding place. I examined fire, the smell of unburied bodies and Margaret’s 60th wedding anniversary, the trench lines, some of which you waste and the palpable fear that this he spoke about the conditions the can still see to this day and which in place would be the last they’d ever soldiers had to endure. “They were some cases were only a few yards see. terrible; people were sick all the time apart. There were flies everywhere On 25 August John and the other sick from various illnesses, the rats spread and no streams or water sources, and I troops were evacuated to Alexandria a lot of disease … I remember the could only image the conditions when in Egypt on the hospital ship Ulysses. rats were the worst. You couldn’t kill thousands of men landed there in 1915. John was evacuated to Britain and them because dead rats were a greater The place must have been an assault admitted to St John’s Hospital, disease risk than live ones. And so the on the senses with the overcrowding Southport. After he recovered he was live ones grew very fat … we were on the beaches, the shelling, the sniper posted to Galway in November 1915. always on edge and always under fire … I remember a time we attacked, and all lined up after a bombardment … we went over the top and the sound of bullets from enemy machine guns striking men all around me sounded like hands clapping … it was a very strange sound, and one I will never forget … I was wounded myself in the right shoulder during an offensive at Sturma on the Salonika front.” This happened at the end of September 1916. John was what was called at the time ‘a bomber’, which meant that he hurled the early forms of modern grenades in enemy trenches and meant that he received specialist training in explosives. He was left to die with others who had been very badly wounded but a medical orderly, John’s medals - the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal a fellow Sligonian named Patrick

28 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

McGowan from Mail Coach Road to Ireland and following a medical in Sligo town, happened to be going examination at Tipperary on 29 by at the time and carried him back August 1917 his wounds had healed. from the front line to a hospital tent. But he was left with very little use He was very lucky. He was sent to a of his right arm or hand and was hospital ship and then evacuated to declared unfit for further service. Malta in October 1916 where he had He was then sent to Cork where he two operations on his right shoulder was discharged from the army on and lung in St Almo’s Hospital, Malta. 27 November 1917. I remember my He was evacuated to England in mother Margot telling me when I was November 1916, the same month that young that John later taught himself his first daughter Catherine/Kathleen to write again with his left hand, and was born, my grandmother. that she used to hear him sitting on He arrived in England in December the bed in the morning coughing as 1916 and was treated at Chancery his lungs never recovered after the Lane Military Hospital, Manchester, damage of the wound. He was later and Bury Hospital. After he had awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British John Fallon in uniform recovered enough he was sent back War Medal and the Victory Medal for

A gathering of the Sligo Branch of the British Legion, Committee and Officers, on Remembrance Day at Sligo, 1936. Front Row: Capt A Lyons, RIF, Capt W Campbell, F W O’Hara, Maj Perceval, IG, Maj S Myles, TD, Capt G Hewson RI, President, BLSB, M Conlon, Mayor of Sligo, Chairman, BLSB, Maj GA Benson, RAMC, Capt H CG McCormack, RAOC, WAG Middleton, RNVR, H Ross, ASC MT, M Moffatt, VC Leinster Regiment, Capt M Kelly, Connaught Rangers, M Scanlon, CRs, T Gray, RN, Sgt Maj A Burnside, CR, Capt RS Gorman, RIF, J Farrell, RFA, J Wallace, CR, Capt EJ Shott, P Coleman, CR, Ald J Fallon, Hon Sec BLSB, CR, J Gilmartin, CR, J Shannon, CR. John Fallon is third from the right on the back row wearing a bowler hat. He was the Hon Sec of the British legion, Sligo Branch, at the time. No further information is available on other people in the photograph.

29 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 his service. When discharged he went to sell poppies around the streets of Street from St Anne’s Terrace on his to Glasgow where his sister lived and Sligo to raise money for the families way to work at MacArthur’s Bakery. his wife Margaret was also working in of ex-servicemen. In recognition John He said he could set his watch by it. a munitions factory there. He became received a Special Award presented When John died in September 1980, a postman and lived at 110 Queen by Princess Alice at Westminster, he had outlived both his brothers who Street, Govan, Glasgow. At the end of London for his services to the British had served in the war and survived. the war he returned to Sligo and was Legion. Their younger brother Tom had been re-employed as a baker in McArthurs. Garda Barney O’Boyle of too young to serve in the First World John was one of the founding Tonnaphubble, Sligo, posted to the War. John’s funeral was attended by members of the Sligo Branch of the Chapel Street/Pearse Road Police thousands of men and women from British Legion and was Secretary Barracks, had many times told me a all walks of life, from all faiths and and Treasurer of the branch, and story regarding John. He said that in political persuasions honouring him spent the rest of his life campaigning the time he was stationed there on one last time by marching with him up for the rights of ex-servicemen and night duty that he had to record any Pearse Road to his final resting place, their families. Every November he activity on the streets during the night, and to show their respect for a man organised the Remembrance Day and every morning at exactly the same who had given so much to Sligo and Parade in Sligo and my mother told me time he heard the military beat of John had asked for so little in return. that her and her aunts were recruited Fallon’s step marching over Chapel Heritage Committee, 1992

This group photo was taken from Seated, L - R : Mrs Yvonne Perceval, Vincent Jordan, Mr James Flanagan, Issue 22 of The Corran Herald, in Mrs Eileen Tighe, Dr Stan Casey, Mrs Mrs Eileen White, Mrs Catherine summer of 1992. Tilly Casey, Mrs Carmel Rogers, Mrs Finn, Mrs Mary Martin, Mrs Anne Betty Conlon. Harrison, Mrs Mary O’Donnell. Standing, L - R: Ms Nuala Rogers, Mr Paddy Horan, Mr Jack Martin, Mr

30 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The O Dugenan Crucifixion Plaque of 1671 at Fenagh, Co Leitrim

By Martin A Timoney

The Church and the Funerary Structure The complete main rectangular church, the ‘Southern Building’ measuring 26m by 7m (Hynes 1931, plan opposite p. 48), has a magnificent 15th century four-light east window below a rosette, all with cusps, and a vaulted, probably domestic, rear section that may be all that remains of an inserted, defensive tower. There is a structure attached to the southwest corner of the church. It has been described as a mausoleum and as a mortuary chapel; either way it was, and still is, a funerary structure. It measures internally 10ft by 12ft 8 in. The east wall slopes from 11ft to 6ft, a level just above the top of the crucifixion plaque in the south wall. One wonders how much stone work of the structure was removed and incorporated into the buttressing within the structure of the medieval church – the ‘lean-to look’ is very false. A plain rectangular window remains in the east wall but the west doorway no longer exists; thus potential datable features for this funerary structure are gone but one suspects that it dates to 1671, the date on the plaque.

The Crucifixion Plaque The O Dugenan Crucifixion Plaque Prominently affixed to the outside south wall there is the stone crucifixion One of the places to be visited during Due to the very poor condition of plaque. this 2017 Ballymote Heritage Group’s the of the shale limestone Fenagh The monument, frame included, annual August weekend is the crucifixion plaque and the probability measures 1m by 58cm. There is a medieval ecclesiastical site at Fenagh, that the sunlight will not throw a cross with three steps to the pedestal. sometimes Feenagh, Co Leitrim. The shadow across the carving to reveal its The crucified Christ’s head leans to crucifixion plaque there is one that I details, the plaque is being illustrated His left. He has long hair and a beard. briefly published in 1982 in a two- in this volume, the 50th issue of The He wears a loin cloth that looks as page article, along with two similar Corran Herald, in advance of the if it is an actual piece of cloth and it ones in Co Roscommon and a related outing. flourishes to His right. Both His hands crucifixion in east Mayo, all by the are held in blessing as they are nailed same hand. to the cross and His right foot is nailed

31 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 with a single nail on top of His left Unio MegRannell as printed in Hynes Dated to 1668 it has the coats-of-arms one. Six Emblems of the Passion are (1931, 48); this change of case as well of both families and an inscription in distributed on either side of Christ’s as misreading of the lettering has led Latin. legs. On the left there is a three-thong to an assumption that his wife’s name lash whose thongs are armed with was Una; Hynes’ slightly different The Holywell Crucifixion (metal) stars and a palm leaf. On the spellings otherwise essentially tell the The fourth piece by DH, probably right there is a ladder, a pillar with a same story. The (Mc) Granell name a free-standing crucifixion lacking rope wrapped around it and a startled would be Reynolds nowadays. further elaboration, is from Holywell, cock strutting across the top. There west of Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo. It is is ample uncut space on either side Discussion: The Cloonshanville now within Ballyhaunis Augustinian where other symbols may have been plaque Priory, having been at a grotto to intended to be fitted; Cloonshanville The Cloonshanville, Frenchpark, the north of the building for many plaque by the same sculptor also has plaque is the one in the best condition years following a spell over the west three square dice, a claw hammer and of all these three plaques. It is within a doorway. The style of the carved a pincers. small square mortuary building at the Holywell Christ is identical to that on The eight-line inscription in Latin west end of the Dominican Priory; see all three plaques, plaques with dates is shared between two stones. The Harbison (2002, cover image and 179, of 1667, 1668 and 1671, and so it lettering on the lower stone has Fig 177) for Angelo Bigari’s 1779 must date to within a few years either suffered very badly, even since I illustration of this building. The plaque side of 1670. first saw it in June 1977. Despite records in English that the 86-year- this weathering it has been possible, old FitzStephen of The Families from the stone itself and from earlier Galway, Burgess, died in his house, The minimal research for the readings, and with the help of three Dungar, Frenchpark, and was buried 1982 article concentrated on the people versed in Latin, to attempt to at Cloonshanville on 14th April, 1667. Roscommon plaques. Prompted by reconstruct the inscription. Very significantly this, the earliest of Michael Herity’s published edition the three plaques, was initialled by the of the Ordnance Survey Letters of Co TORNA : O DVGENAN SACER[ ] mason, DH, on the lower left frame Leitrim (2012), I further researched OS : ET RECTOR ME : FIERI F[ ] and 1667 is on the right of the frame. the two families mentioned on the CIT [. . . .] ANNO 1671 SUPE[ ] Unfortunately we do not know the Fenagh plaque, a plaque which SERVI[ . ]O[...... F . ]ATR[. . .] name of DH as he has not shown because of its poor preservation was EVGEN[. .] DVGENAN QVI up elsewhere in Mary B Timoney’s well down my list back then. OBYT [ . ]8 XB[. . .] 1667 research over more than 30 years of the SVCCESORIBVS : ET MARITE memorials in Sligo, Roscommon and O Duignan EIVS : VNIO TE GRANELL surrounding counties (MB Timoney The seat of the senior line of O 2005; 2017). She reasons that many Duignan was at Baile Coillte Foghair Or in translation with expansions: memorials were side-line products or Baile Choille Foghair, adopted as ‘Torna O Duignan, Priest and Rector, of masons whose main employment ‘Castlefore’ in the Anglicised form. had me made in the year 1671 for his in an area was the building of gentry It was near , just north brother, Eugene, or Eoghan, Duignan, houses, churches, bridges and of the road from Fenagh. This is who died on the 28th December, 1667, public buildings. Michael Garvey of about 20km east of Kilronan, another for his successors and his wife, you Ballaghaderreen recollected seeing a of their seats, and hence the Book one of the Granell family.’ 1668 date stone close to the roof over of the O’Duigenans of Kilronan I am indebted to Gus Gannon, Dr the door of Dungar House, Frenchpark. (Cunningham 2008, 560-562, 563, Nollaig Ó Muraíle and Prof Richard This puts DH at Cloonshanville at the 568). Castlefore is mentioned in the Sharpe for discussions in attempt to time Dungar was being built. Annals under 1409 and 1452 and Cú bring full clarity to what was on the Choigcríche Ó Duibhgeannáin, alias stone and what it said. The Ardcarne plaque Peregrine, Ó Duigenan, d. 1664, one Since the stone would have been The Ardcarne plaque is built into of the Four Masters in 1636, though in much better condition 120 years a masonry wall to the east of the not a regular one, was of this family; ago it is regrettable that Penrose church at Ardcarne, his father was Tuathal Buidhe Ó and Groves (1898, 98) give no more between Boyle and Carrick-on- Duibhgeannáin (Cunningham 2008, than the obit information, EUGENII Shannon. It is for Elinore O’Crean, 558-559). Meehan (1905, 140, fn. 2) DUGENAN QUI OBYT 28 XBRIS daughter of Robuck O’Crean, and says Cú Choigcríche alias Peregrine 1667. The last three words on the Cormack MacDermott, son of was born beside the castle of stone are UNIO TE GRANELL, not Dermott MacDermott, a tax collector. Castlefore and that the castle was built

32 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

The ecclesiastical site at Fenagh by one John Reynolds (1905, 139); it on 26 June, 1836, in a letter to That branch was the one which first the nature of this building as being a the Ordnance Survey headquarters. changed the family-name to Reynolds castle is far from certain. The family He then went on to clearly say that and consequently was known as Mag were hereditary historiographers to this ‘monument which, thought Raghnaill Gallda, the English Mag O’Farrell of Annaly, MacDermot traditionally that of a Protestant Raghnaill. See also Meehan (1905) of Moylurg, MacDonagh of Corran Clergyman, smells a good deal of the for family detail though his article is and MacDonagh of Tirerrill. One rites which he had rejected’, i.e. of just about in accordance with the title Maghnus Ó Duibhgeannáin was one the . He then goes – the whereabouts and contents of the of the three principal scribes of the on to note that Torna O Duignan was diary of March 1658 to May 1660 of most important Book of Ballymote the Parish Priest of Fenagh (Herity, his title remains obscure. MacLysaght in the late 14th century (Cunningham ed., 2012, 401; f. 214 in original). (1972, 253-254; 1973, 254) notes 2008, 561). Keeping the record was O’Donovan was having nothing of the that the chief of the MacRannell was in their bones as Cunningham’s recent state religion taking this monument as called Mac Grannill or Magranill of (2008) and most informative article of one of its own! – ‘I cannot incline Moynish, that the branch on this learned family illustrates! The my mind to think any such thing.’ were supporters of James II and that family were still active as Castlefore in the Grannell name survives in Co historical and genealogical scholarship Granell Wexford. in the mid-17th century and north Dr Nollaig Ó Muraíle (pers. comm.) was still a prominent clarified the Mag Raghnaill family O’Crean and MacDermott centre of learning (Cunningham history for me. They were originally As the Ardcarne plaque was for 2008, 571-572). Meehan (1905, 141) based in the territory of Muintir Elinore O’Crean and the O’Crean describes Fenagh as an ‘Old World Eolais in south Leitrim. At the time of family erected many memorials in University’. Camden in his Britannia the Composition of Connacht, 1585, throughout the 16th of 1617 referred to O Duignan, among their chieftain was based at a place and 17th centuries, perhaps more of others, as ‘downright Irish’. See also called Magh Nise, a name no longer DH’s work is there to be recognised MacLysaght (1996, 86-87) for the in existence but believed to have been among the O’Crean commemorative prodigious output of this family. located in the south of the of sculpture there. The O’Crean seat was In the early 19th century there were Leitrim, presumably in the - in Sligo town, the MacDermott seat attempts based on the word ‘rector’ Mohill area. Somewhat later, the most was at Moylurg. to claim the Fenagh plaque as a significant branch of the family was monument of the ‘aristocratic religion that located at Lough Scur, a short The Clogher Plaque of the State’ as John O’Donovan put distance to the west of Castlefore. The nearest Co Sligo crucifixion

33 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 plaque is at Clogher, just north of I thank Gus Gannon of Boyle for MacLysaght, Edward, 1972: Irish Monasterreddan. There is a date on discussing earlier translations of the Families, Dublin, Figgis. the adjoining stone to its right that Fenagh inscription and raising the MacLysaght, Edward, 1973: The was difficult to read when in place. probability that last line has been Surnames of Ireland, Dublin, Irish However during repair works there mis-translated in the past, Mary B. University Press. by Sligo County Council in 2014 Timoney, Dr Nollaig Ó Muraíle, MacLysaght, Edward, 1996: More Irish I photographed the inscribed stone formerly Placenames Office, Dublin, Families, Dublin, Irish Academic Press. in better positions than when fixed QUB and NUIG, Professor Richard Meehan, Joseph, 1905: “Notes on the Mac erect in the wall. The correct reading Sharpe, Professor of History in Rannals of Leitrim and their Country: achieved is ‘I.H.S. 1662, II, I:G:’. Oxford, Maura O’Gara O’Riordan, Being Introductory to a Diary of James Confirmation of the date being 1662 Galway, Dr Bernadette Cunningham, Reynolds, Lough Scur, , is significant and the ‘II’ may be RIA, and Frank Tivnan, Boyle, for for the years 1658-1660”, J. Royal Society referring to the second year of the reign much direct and indirect assistance of Antiquaries of Ireland, 35, 139-151. of the Catholic Charles II. The initials with this poorly preserved plaque. Moore, Michael, 2003: Archaeological ‘I:G:’ may stand for Iriel O’Gara, Inventory of County Leitrim. Dublin, though Maura O’Gara O’Riordan, Further Reading Stationery Office. the researcher of the O’Gara family, Cunningham, Bernadette, 2008: “The Ó Penrose, William, and Groves, Tenison, cannot identify who ‘I:G:’ is; I doubt Duibhgeannáin Family of Historians and 1898: “County Leitrim: Fenagh Abbey”, if this is the initials of the mason. the Annals of the Four Masters”, Breifne, J. Association Preservation Memorials My decades of research on Connacht 11, 557-572. Dead, Ireland, 4, 98. crucifixion plaques has recognised Harbison, Peter, 2002: Our Treasure Timoney, Martin A., 1982: “Roscommon about two dozen plaques across the of Antiquities: Beranger’s and Bigari’s Crucifixion Plaques - A Detective Story”, province, with dates between 1625 Antiquarian Tour of Connacht in 1779, Roscommon Association Yearbook 1982, and 1825, many having upper class Dublin, Wordwell. 8-9. Catholic family attributions. Most Herity, Michael, ed., 2012: Ordnance Timoney, Mary B., 2005: Had Me Made: plaques were erected in prominent Survey Letters, Londonderry, , A Study of the Grave Memorials of Co. Sligo from c. 1650 to the Present, Keash, public positions without fear of Armagh-Monaghan, Louth, Cavan- TASKS. retribution! Some historians of the Leitrim, 1834-1836, Dublin, Four Masters Timoney, Mary B., 2017: Ballintober Penal Days may find the dating of Press. Old Graveyard and the Grave Memorials these publically displayed Connacht Hynes, John, 1931: St. Caillin”, J. Royal of Co. Roscommon, Roscommon, Catholic plaques a little difficult. Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 61, 39- Roscommon County Council. Acknowledgements 54. The Funeral of the Late Bishop of Elphin

Submitted by Padraig Doddy

A letter to the editor of the Sligo anything of a controversial character, then left, regretting that my principles Independent in 1895. I merely say that, in my opinion, my allowed me to pay no further token of Sir – Will you kindly grant me space presence at the service would have respect to the memory of one whom for a short personal explanation? I see been compromising. I wished to show I always found courteous and kindly. that it is stated in the Sligo Independent my respect for the deceased Bishop I am, truly yours, of today that I was present in the and my sympathy with my fellow- Le Paul T. Ledoux Roman Catholic Cathedral during the townsman; accordingly I adopted the Calry Rectory, 26 January, 1895 funeral obsequies of the late Most Rev only course which seemed open to -- Bishop Gillooly. This is a mistake, but me – viz to be present in the courtyard The article on the Bishop’s funeral one, however, into which your reporter of the Cathedral when the funeral was printed in the Sligo Champion, 2 very naturally fell. Not to enter into procession was entering the building. I February 1895

34 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The Ballymote Electric Lighting and Town Improvement Co

By Edward Blake

In this article I hope to illustrate Company, Cork Tramway Co, and The generator was housed in the how a small town in the north-west many other smaller units around the Market House. The engine was of Ireland was at the forefront of country. Some of the ‘big houses’ had driven by gas, generated by burning providing electric light for its citizens their own too. The O’Hara’s of nearby anthracite. This engine was made by in the early 1900s, and was well ahead Annaghmore House had an engine- Blackstones of Stafford, Cheshire, of larger towns in the country. driven generator. UK. The Market House became First, a word about the development Ballymote was a fine example of known as the Power House and to of this great power source we take so a local provider of electric power. this day is referred to as such by much for granted these days. Early Details have been well provided in a local people. It was situated directly signs of the relationship between previous issue (2012) of The Corran opposite the Church of Ireland church electricity and magnetism (they work Herald, but these are now expanded on Lord Edward Street in Ballymote. together to produce electricity) were in the following, together with the By 1921 the company had upwards discovered by a Greek philosopher change to ESB supply in the greater of 100 customers. The cost of the unit about 500BC. He noted that by Ballymote area. (kwh) would not have been cheap – rubbing together amber and fur he The company was registered in around one shilling. Street lighting could attract a light object, such as accordance with the Companies Act and supply to residents and businesses a feather (magnetism). Naturally, and issued 3000 shares at £1 each. was put in place. Any bulbs used in with no internet or other means of Just under 1800 were taken up. Many houses would have been of very low communicating to others with a such companies around the country wattage, about 20W. Not all rooms like mind, he could not proceed any were formed by local mill owners would have had a light. Based on further. It was only at the beginning and large businesses, but Ballymote these details, the family could have of the 1600s that engineers, physicists, was different. Its directors and one light on for three hours per day at chemists and scientists made more shareholders were of the town – local a cost of 5d for the week. progress in the field. Names that stand clergy, builders merchants, drapers, out are Franklin (lightning rod), Volta and shopkeepers. John Joseph Benson, The Electricity Act of 1927 meant (battery), Edison (incandescent bulb), a director and draper in Ballymote, that the Ballymote Electric Company Tesla (alternating current-AC), and had been in the US from 1893 to 1910. had to obtain a permit from the ESB George Westinghouse (a businessman, It is very likely that he had seen the to continue to generate and supply who built AC generating machines). advantages of this new energy source electricity. Such companies were In the 1870s small direct current there and realised its importance in a known as ‘permitted undertakings’. (DC) generating stations began to community. He was the grandfather The permit was renewable on a yearly appear in the . One of of John Coleman, a staunch member basis. This was for the town only, as great size was in Manhattan, operated of the Ballymote Heritage Group. It Rural Electrification was still a long by Thomas Edison. Ireland was not is likely too that they had discussions way in the future. In late 1937 or early to be found wanting and soon we with the Stewarts of Boyle, who were 1938 the ESB acquired the company. had a number of private electricity supplying electricity in Boyle since The ESB then took steps to supply generating stations. There was the 1904. Ballymote with AC. This would have City of Dublin Electricity Supply entailed changing all the lighting YEAR POPULATION CUSTOMERS UNIT COST INCOME £ £sd 1931 750 84 1/3 740 1934 750 93 1/0 770 1937 750 97 1/0 840

BallymoteBallymote Electric Electric Lighting Lighting and Town and Improvement Town Improvement Co yearly income Co yearly ( toincome when ESB(Prior took to over when 1937) ESB took over 1937) 35

The Electricity Act of 1927 meant that the Ballymote Electric Company had to obtain a permit from the ESB to continue to generate and supply electricity. Such companies were known as ‘permitted undertakings’.The permit was renewable on a yearly basis. This was for the town only, as RuralElectrification was still a long way in the future. In late 1937 or early1938 the ESB acquired the company.The ESB then took steps to supply Ballymote with AC. This would have entailed changing all the lighting standards and wiring to houses. The Ballymote company actually remained in existence up until it was voluntarily liquidated in 1967.However, the shareholders were only able to recover 12s 91/2d per £1 share.This was mainly funded by the sale of the freehold premises. The next step in the provision of electricity to the wider Ballymote area was under the ESB’s Rural Electrification scheme, which was rolled out in 1946 across the country.The 26 counties had been divided into over 650 rural areas, based largely on the Catholic parish boundaries, distributed across ten districts.Sligo was one of the districts and covered a wide geographical area, stretching from Malin Head in North Donegal to Carrick-on-Shannon and across from to Belmullet.This rural area around Ballymote was called Emlaghfad. In the district office in Sligo town there was a special unit dealing with the project around the whole district. Each area had an engineer appointed to manage the construction, administration and publicity.In those times nearly every engineer who joined the ESB spent a tour of duty in the rural electrification field.From the beginning, the ESB therefore had a close relationship with its customers on the ground – a reason the company is held in high regard, especially the reaction to loss of power by the public. In the Emlaghfad area there were 650 householders who were canvassed as to whether they would ‘Take the Electric’ – a term used locally in all areas.Of those, 66% accepted and the remainder opted out at this stage for a variety of reasons.Public meetings were held in the Parochial Hall in the town in October 1956.Appliances such as kettles, irons, cookers and so forth were displayed and demonstrated, as well as motors to reduce the tough labour on the farm.A report from the meeting also pointed out that sales were slow due to low cattle prices in the area.Competition was around too, with at least six electrical contractors selling appliances and wiring houses. All houses had to have internal wiring to ESB standard before connection.The wiring was normally for one socket and room lights.An ESB office at the Power House (Market House) was also established. The area was practically fully connected by January 1957. There would have been a special switch-on ceremony, where possibly the local parish priest would have operated the master switch to bring the power to those connected. Rural Electrification around the country continued apace until the 60s.There was then a Post Rural Development program to connect households, who either had not taken up the initial offer or were deemed as not being economical to supply at the early stages.Eventually the whole country had a supply of electricity. In the first five decades of the 20th centurythere is no doubt that electricity played a major part in the development of Ireland. Before the advent of the ESB, full credit must be given to those merchants and citizens of the country who had the foresight to realise how powerful electricity would be in future development of the country. Ballymote can hold its head high in being in the vanguard of this great experience. -- Acknowledgements:Assistance of the local Ballymote Heritage Society, ESB archives and the many friends who were a great help to me in the assembly of this article. 2

THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 standards and wiring to houses. The Ballymote company actually remained in existence up until it was voluntarily liquidated in 1967. However, the shareholders were only able to recover 12s 91/2d per £1 share. This was mainly funded by the sale of the freehold premises. The next step in the provision of electricity to the wider Ballymote area was under the ESB’s Rural Electrification scheme, which was rolled out in 1946 across the country. The 26 counties had been divided into over 650 rural areas, based largely on the Catholic parish boundaries, distributed across ten districts. Sligo was one of the districts and covered a wide geographical area, stretching from Malin Head in North Donegal to A typical Blackstone engine Carrick-on-Shannon and across from All houses had to have internal country had a supply of electricity. Carrigallen to Belmullet. This rural wiring to ESB standard before In the first five decades of the area around Ballymote was called connection. The wiring was normally 20th century there is no doubt that Emlaghfad. for one socket and room lights. An ESB electricity played a major part in the In the district office in Sligo town office at the Power House (Market development of Ireland. Before the there was a special unit dealing House) was also established. The area advent of the ESB, full credit must be with the project around the whole was practically fully connected by given to those merchants and citizens district. Each area had an engineer January 1957. There would have been of the country who had the foresight appointed to manage the construction, a special switch-on ceremony, where to realise how powerful electricity administration and publicity. In those possibly the local parish priest would would be in future development of the times nearly every engineer who have operated the master switch to country. Ballymote can hold its head joined the ESB spent a tour of duty bring the power to those connected. high in being in the vanguard of this in the rural electrification field. From Rural Electrification around the great experience. the beginning, the ESB therefore had country continued apace until the a close relationship with its customers 60s. There was then a Post Rural -- on the ground – a reason the company Development program to connect Acknowledgements: Assistance of the is held in high regard, especially the households, who either had not taken local Ballymote Heritage Society, ESB reaction to loss of power by the public. up the initial offer or were deemed archives and the many friends who were In the Emlaghfad area there were as not being economical to supply at a great help to me in the assembly of this 650 householders who were canvassed the early stages. Eventually the whole article. as to whether they would ‘Take the Electric’ – a term used locally in all areas. Of those, 66% accepted and the remainder opted out at this stage for a variety of reasons. Public meetings were held in the Parochial Hall in the town in October 1956. Appliances such as kettles, irons, cookers and so forth were displayed and demonstrated, as well as motors to reduce the tough labour on the farm. A report from the meeting also pointed out that sales were slow due to low cattle prices in the area. Competition was around too, with at least six electrical contractors selling appliances and wiring houses. Power House (Market House), Ballymote

36 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The ‘Big Snow’ of 1947 By Jim Higgins

who lived with an invalid brother, left his home on Tuesday night during the height of the blizzard, and was found dead on mountain on Wednesday morning. ‘Deceased went to the house of a neighbour to obtain some turf as he had none of his own,’ the report said. The neighbour gave him a bag and told him to go to their turf stack which was a few hundred yards away. When he did not return the neighbour assumed he had gone home by a different route. On Wednesday morning, while ‘out snaring rabbits’, a member of the neighbour’s family came across his snow-covered body, with the bag of turf beside him. A similar tragedy was reported by Francie McFadden of Carrigans The Sligo Champion of 8 March 1947 covering the blizzard. Special thanks Upper, Ballymote, when he was to Malachy Gillen in Sligo Library for help getting this clipping interviewed for a book entitled It is 70 years since the worst blizzard -23 degrees to -29 degrees Celsius. Vanishing Ireland. Two friends of his in Irish history hammered the country Continuing over the next 50 days there father died on their way back from the continuously for almost three months. were intermittent snowfalls, five of bog during the blizzard. “They were Nobody who lived through it could ever which could be described as blizzards. found four days later with the bags of forget the hardship and suffering, and The frozen ground and violent turf frozen to their backs.” even sometimes the fun, experienced gales provided ‘ideal’ conditions for It is reasonable to assume that many by urban and rural dwellers alike. the formation of snowdrifts, many of more deaths occurred by exposure Those of us born shortly after the event which transformed the topography of during this time but no reports ever were up-dated by almost unbelievable the countryside into an unrecognisable appeared in the papers. stories of heroism, daring, creativity, landscape. Farmers often had great humour, generosity and community difficulty locating their ‘rick’ of turf Buses Buried in Snow cooperation. or ‘heap’ of potatoes, and sadly some On Tuesday morning 25 February From Sunday 19 January 1947 until lost their lives in the attempt. Rivers the Dublin bus left Sligo as usual but the middle of April that year, Ireland and lakes became frozen over, while only got as far as Ballymote, when it was entombed in snow and ice, as houses and entire villages were buried was grounded by a huge drift. A relief a ‘freakish’ Arctic weather system, and the inhabitants marooned. Some bus with rescue party of 35 on board, inexplicable to meteorologists, took stories from The Sligo Champion and including drivers, conductors and up residence over Ireland and much Sligo Independent of the time give mechanics, all armed with shovels, of Western Europe. Temperatures an idea of the hardship, suffering and was sent to dig out the bus, but it plummeted to previously unheard of tragedy endured by so many. too was bogged down before ever scales: seven degrees Fahrenheit or reaching the stranded bus. Some of -14 degrees Celsius! The unusually Farmer’s Body Found in Snow the passengers took two days to walk severe frost was accompanied by This account of the tragic death of a back to Sligo, making their way on the a piercing east wind reaching 60- 55-year-old farmer from , railway, bye-roads and across fields, 70 miles per hour. The wind chill appeared in The Sligo Champion of and no doubt resting in farm houses at factor was estimated as being from Saturday 1 March 1947. The man, every opportunity.

37 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Not even a 90 horsepower US Army embankments and uneven surfaces. many times in later years to thank the truck, with 10 forward gears, on loan Walking in such circumstances might family for their kindness. to CIE from Hanley’s and driven by have been an adventure, but carrying the managing director Mr Murray a coffin shoulder high must have been Sitting on the Chimney himself, was capable of reaching the a nightmare. It is possible, indeed Seefin Creamery had a grocery and ‘lost’ bus. He succeeded in getting probable, that a door or flat board hardware store, owned and run by within two miles of Ballymote, when was used as a sleigh to pull the coffin the family, which served ‘drifts of 15 feet were experienced along, but such a procedure could customers in our area for generations. and the relief party were forced to turn only be successful on a level surface. The upstairs bedrooms overlooked back.’ Travellers Welcomed by Farmer the shop and so on the morning of Wednesday 26 February 1947, ‘Alo’ Gallagher (then a young man) related Walked Forty Miles that when he awoke and looked out The Sligo Independent reported that the window he was astonished to see a two Sligo men ‘engaged in the cattle customer – one Jimmy Joe Kielty, who business’ were stranded in Mohill and lived locally – sitting on the chimney started out on Wednesday 26 February of his shop and demanding to be to walk the 40 miles to Sligo. Mr T admitted! This story is incredible to us O’Hara of St Brigid’s Place and Mr today but unbelievable or not, similar Shiels of reached Sligo ‘in stories are repeated from almost every the early hours of Sunday morning.’ county in Ireland. They slept in farmers’ houses on the way. Mr. O’Hara said they were Farm Animal Welfare almost exhausted when they reached Many thousands of cattle, sheep, Ballymote, yet all they could get there pigs, horses, donkeys and poultry was ‘a half cup of black tea and no died of starvation, and many farmers bread.’ However The Sligo Champion perished in their efforts to rescue that same week reported that them. The Irish Times of 13 March shopkeepers in Ballymote had plenty 1947 reported that three men died in of bread, and refused to collect fresh the Sligo countryside on the night of supplies from a bread van which got John Davey of Knockadalteen who the worst blizzard. According to the stuck in a drift just two miles outside was a teenager during the blizzard report: ‘One of them had gone only of 1947 the town. So perhaps Mr O’Hara and a few hundred yards from his home Mr Shiels were just unlucky! There are many stories of people to feed a sick beast in the fields. sharing their homes and dwindling The young man had apparently been Coffin Carried from Sligo to food-stores with stranded travellers, driven blindly before the blizzard, and Culfadda and one such is related by John Davey there was evidence that he moved in My brother John Higgins, who was of Knockadalteen. John, who was 13 a circle, not knowing which way to ten years of age at the time of the years of age at the time, recalls that travel, and crossed and re-crossed a blizzard, vividly recalls two occasions travellers provided a regular service tributary of the Owenmore River four when a party of up to 20 men walked as pot-menders and tinsmiths. They times in all. The body was found near to Sligo Hospital and carried back advertised their arrival with the slogan, a bank of the little river, 300 yards the coffins of deceased members of ‘Any pots, pans or tin cans leaking?’ from his home.’ This young man’s the local community, for burial in On the first evening of the snowstorm, tragedy was probably repeated many Knockbrack cemetery. This was no John’s father Patrick Davey gave times but since no government record mean feat and involved 50 miles of a overnight accommodation to three was kept, it is impossible to determine return trek, in treacherous conditions. traveller men, who were unable to final numbers. The telephone line along the railway return to their camp which was erected track was their ‘compass’, and while just three miles away, near Newpark The ‘Lost Sheep’ it was a fail-safe and unerring guide, House. Although Patrick died of TB a The biblical story of ‘The Lost Sheep’ it must also have been extremely year later, at the young age of 47, John and the ‘Good Shepherd’ had many dangerous, with unseen steep says that the travellers called back interesting variations during the

38 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

dispensation permitting all farm were from 1pm to 2pm and 6.30 workers to work on Sundays from pm to midnight due to electricity April until November. The huge effort restrictions. paid off and the summer of 1947 was the warmest and sunniest in memory. - In March 1947 Very Rev James S Canon Fergus BD, PP, VF, was Life Goes On appointed . He The Hibernian Cinema in Ballymote succeeded Dr Morrisroe. continued to operate, albeit showing President S T O’Kelly and Mrs the same films for several weeks since O’Kelly were the guests of Very all communication and deliveries Rev P J Canon Roughneen, PP, VF, were cut off. During ’s during the first week of May 1947. week 1947 there were two films with matinees each day. She Went - Fines ranging from a half crown To The Races starring James Craig to 10 shillings were imposed on a blizzard of 1947. Sheep tend to flock and Frances Gifford was screened large number of farmers for failure together in a sheltered corner when on Sunday 16 and Monday 17, while to cut noxious weeds. This was storm or danger threatens, so it would Gregory Peck and Thomas Mitchell, reported in The Sligo Champion of rarely be the case of just one sheep with Vincent Price and Rosa Stradner, Saturday 22 March 1947. in Keys of the Kingdom was showing missing, but rather the whole flock. on Wednesday and Thursday 19 and Even when buried in a snowdrift Conclusion 20 March. several feet deep, the collective Although Ireland experienced severe It is interesting to note that a heading warmth and breathing would be blizzards many times since records in The Sligo Champion of Saturday enough to melt the snow to create a began, those of 1740, 1878/79, 1895, 19 April stated that ‘Strike Ends’ and ‘ventilation blow hole’, visible to the 1917, 1933 and 1947 stand out as that work was in progress on laying shepherd. Once located, however, among the worst. However the winter the foundation of the new cinema in carrying the fodder to feed them could of 1947, according to meteorologists, Ballymote! be much more problematic, and in stood apart from all its predecessors many cases the shepherd lost his life for ‘the continuation over such a long Ballymote Drama Group for his sheep. period’ of cold, freezing, ice, winds, Despite the snow and the hardship, and blizzards, in conjunction with the local dramatic group found time Fears for harvest 1947 one another. The government of the to rehearse. ‘The Castle Players’ As the slow thaw began towards the day had no emergency plan in place directed by John A Barnes NT staged end of March flooding became a huge to help the most vulnerable, and no a three-act play The West’s Awake by J problem, and large tracts of land could record was kept of the casualties. The Malachi Muldoon in The Loftus Hall, not be cultivated. Agricultural experts poor and underprivileged, particularly and they received many invitations to warned that ‘superhuman effort’ was in cities, suffered the most. As it is perform from parishes throughout the required to prevent famine next winter. very possible that a similar ‘freakish county. Members of the cast included The Minister for Agriculture, Patrick arctic’ storm may visit our shores Paddy Mulligan, Jerry Flannery, Smith, referred back to ‘Black 1847’ again, let us pray that our government Paddy Corley, Mickie Brennan, and said that people were wondering have a master plan in place to feed the Jimmy Gallagher, Mary Donoghue, if they would have a ‘Black 1947’ too. hungry and shelter the homeless. ‘May God grant that we escape such a Paddy Brennan, Maggie Pettipiece, Tommie Potter, Bridie Corley, Joe peril,’ he concluded. Sources Flannery and Jack Meehan. My father, who always tried to have Ireland’s Arctic Siege by Kevin C. Kearns the potato crop sown by Saint Patrick’s The Sligo Champion January – May 1947 Some topical snippets Day, related how on May 1 he had to The Sligo Independent January – May - In Sligo some suppliers of potatoes clear the snow with a shovel in order 1947 ‘stooped to extortion’ and trebled to prepare the field for ploughing. John Higgins, Culfadda the price from 9 shillings per cwt. Once conditions improved farmers John Davey, Knockadalteen to 30 shillings. worked night and day to catch up. Brendan Gormley, Carrigans Lower Catholic Bishops granted a general - Radio Eireann broadcasting hours

39 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 An All-Ireland Final in

By Tommy Kilcoyne

Seventy years ago the All-Ireland Football Final was played at the Polo Grounds in New York. At the GAA Annual Congress in April, 1947, a proposal from Clare to play the final in New York was eloquently presented by Canon Michael Hamilton. He suggested that such an event would provide a much-needed stimulus for Gaelic Games in North America. It would strengthen the bonds between Ireland and its emigrants and give thousands of exiled Irish people the opportunity to attend an All-Ireland final. Canon Hamilton also referred to the fact that 1947 was the centenary year of the in Ireland when ‘the great exodus of our people Bringing GAA to the New World. found a friendly welcome and a warm Standing, L - R: John Joe Sheehy (Kerry), ?, Tom Kilcoyne (Sligo), Micheál hospitality on America’s shores.’ He O’Rourke (Kerry), Jack Brennan (Sligo), Vincent O’Donoghue (Waterford), argued that to stage the All-Ireland in Patsy Lynch (Cavan). New York 100 years later would ‘give Seated: GAA President Dan O’Rourke (Roscommon) and the ship’s captain. a magnificent demonstration of the Southampton where they boarded the Jack Brennan of , who was unbroken historical continuity and the liner Queen Elizabeth, bound for New chairman of both Sligo County Board insuppressible tenacity of our race.’ York. They spent three weeks in the and the Connacht Council at the time. His eloquence was rewarded when city investigating all aspects of the He holds the distinction of being the his proposal was accepted with a large proposed final, and on their return longest-serving Chairman of Sligo majority. their report was presented to the GAA County Board, holding the office from There appears to have been a lot of Central Council on 23 May. The Polo 1934 to 1948. scepticism among GAA members at Grounds in the Bronx, home of the The prospect of the final in New home about the feasibility of playing New York Giants baseball team, was York added a new dimension to the the final in New York, however, chosen as the venue. championships at home with all particularly at such short notice. The main bone of contention was counties striving to qualify for it. In Before the end of April, a two-man the transport to and from New York. the first semi-final, Cavan defeated delegation was sent to New York to GAA President, Dan O’Rourke from Roscommon before 60,939 spectators, make the preparatory arrangements. Castlerea, Co Roscommon, declared while the second semi-final attracted This consisted of GAA Secretary- that the responsibility of sending some an even bigger crowd, with almost General, Pádraig O’Keeffe, a native of the party by air was too great for the 66,000 seeing Kerry defeat Meath. of Cork, and Tom Kilcoyne, the council. Travelling by air in 1947 was Thus the scene was set for the Sligo County Board and Connacht still regarded not only as novel, but historic Polo Grounds final between Council Secretary, a native of dangerous. But eventually, transport Cavan and Kerry on 13 September. The Ougham, Tubbercurry, but living was arranged for the teams with 40 mayor of New York, Bill O’Dwyer, in Achonry since his marriage to travelling by plane and the remaining a native of Bohola in County Mayo, Kathleen Carney in 1938. They left 25 by sea. Tom Kilcoyne was again gave the teams a great reception. On Dublin on 15 April and travelled to one of the travelling party, as was the morning of the final, the travelling

40 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 party were received at St Patrick’s from Wexford, the Leinster Council city, they were received at Áras an Cathedral by Cardinal Spellman. Secretary, refereed the game, while Uachtaráin by President Seán T Ó A crowd of 35,000 attended the both Tom Kilcoyne and Jack Brennan Ceallaigh. Over a half a century game, which was about 15,000 were umpires. Mayor O’Dwyer threw would elapse before another GAA smaller than had been expected. in the ball to start off this historic championship match would be played Heavy overnight rain may have been encounter. in New York, when Sligo played New part of the reason for this. Despite the After an exciting contest, Cavan York in the Connacht Championship rain, the pitch was rock hard and the emerged victorious 2-11 to 2-7 and in May 2002, at Gaelic Park, also in game was played in intense heat. their captain John Joe O’Reilly the Bronx. Colm McDyer, also known as received the Sam Maguire Cup The Polo Grounds are no more. ‘’, was a member of the from Dan O’Rourke. The game was Located at 157th Street and St Cavan team. Colm was a native broadcast live on radio to Ireland, no Nicholas in the Bronx, they of Glenties, Co. Donegal, and had mean feat in those days, with Micheál were demolished and replaced by an previously played for Sligo. On O’Hehir as commentator. There were apartment complex after the Giants coming to Sligo, he had played his tremendous celebrations at the after- moved to San Francisco in 1958. football with Sligo town team, Craobh match banquet in the Commodore From a GAA point of view, the Rua, and also played on the Sligo Hotel, with over 1,400 people in venture was a success. It attracted county team before declaring for attendance. The travelling party wide publicity both at home and in the Cavan early in 1947. He partnered Phil returned to Dublin via Southampton, USA and led to a revival of interest Brady at midfield on the Cavan team arriving at Dún Laoghaire on 2 and participation in Gaelic Games in and scored a point. Martin O’Neill October. After a parade through the North America. Carrigans National School in the 1940s Photo probably taken in 1947/48. Back row, L - R: John Davey, Martin Davey, Miss Hunt NT, Paddy Healy, Chris Porter, Angela O’Hara, John Joe Gormley, Tom McGettrick. Middle row L - R: Teresa Scanlon, Imelda Mullen, Alfie Scanlon, Maureen Healy. Front row L - R: Joe Kerins, John Cunnane, James Gormley, Maggie Gormley, Joan Hever, Peter Healy, Bernadette Hunt. Kneeling in front : Francie Healy

Photo probably taken in 1949/50. Back row, L - R: Angela O’Hara, Eddie Scanlon, unknown person,Teresa Scanlon, Mary Kate Gormley. Front row L - R: Martin Davey, Teresa Gormley, Imelda Mullen, Paddy Healy, Lily O’Brien. Photos submitted by Jim Higgins. Thanks to John Davey of Knockadalteen for help identifying the pictured pupils. 41 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The Sligoman of South America By Eoin Butler

Located on the shores of Lough anointed 1st Barón de Ballinar by Arrow, isn’t strictly a blink- the Spanish king and promoted and-you’ll-miss-it kind of place. You to governor of Chile. (If you’re could drive through it with your eyes pedantic about the spelling of his Irish wide open. You’d probably still miss homeplace, brace yourself: it gets it. But this tiny Co Sligo worse.) O’Higgins used his position has left a permanent footprint on two to abolish the encomienda system continents. And that’s thanks to one of forced labour for indigenous man. peoples. He also clamped down on Ambrose (later Ambrosio) drinking, dancing, satirical verse and O’Higgins was born here, to an fraternisation between unmarried men impoverished Catholic farming family, and women. in 1720. At the age of 30 he emigrated In 1795 he was appointed Viceroy to the Spanish city of Cadiz: home of of Lima, the highest royal office in the Spanish navy and an important Spanish America. The Chilean city of hub for trade with the New World. In Vallenar, and Vallenar Bay in Alaska, an era when the anti-Catholic Penal were both later named in his honour. Laws were in force at home, Cadiz But his son Bernardo was shunted off was a magnet for ambitious young to Europe, without much in the way Irishmen. And few were as ambitious of financial support, lest word of his as Ambrosio O’Higgins. He took a Ambrose O’Higgins existence prove damaging politically. job with the Butler Trading House, an were charged with repairing defensive There, Bernardo became acquainted Irish merchant firm. fortifications in southern Chile. with Francisco de Miranda, an aging The portrait that emerges of Lima was still the jewel in Spain’s lothario and revolutionary, whose O’Higgins from Tim Fanning’s South American crown, and the city conquests included Catherine the Paisanos: The Forgotten Irish Who of Valdivia was a crucial resupply Great of Russia. Miranda schooled Changed the Face of Latin America point for Spanish ships sailing there the young man in Enlightenment is of a dour but industrious fellow. via Cape Horn. The two Irishmen philosophy. When word of his son’s In 1756, he sailed to South America manufactured 220,000 bricks on site association with this known enemy to sell goods on behalf of a group of in pursuit of that effort. of the Spanish crown filtered back to Cadiz businessmen. He landed in Returning to Spain, he made an Lima, Ambrosio ordered his European Buenos Aires, then made the roughly ally of that country’s Irish former friends to disown the boy. 1,500km trek west to Santiago, in prime minister, Richard (or Ricardo) Bernardo was practically destitute modern day Chile. Wall. But it wasn’t until he was then, in 1801, when the old man The climax of that journey was commissioned as an army captain, to died and surprisingly named him his an arduous passage over the Andes. lead a campaign against the Mapuche sole heir. Bernardo O’Higgins (that One of his first solo initiatives was tribe on the frontiers in southern Chile, surname was adopted in violation of to conceive and construct a series that his career really took off. Within his late father’s expressed wishes) of weatherproof refuges, called four years he had been promoted to was now one of the richest men in casuchos, along this route across the field-marshal. South America. Where his father had mountain range, which provided a In southern Chile he was a frequent been a conservative and a monarchist, year-round communication channel guest at the home of a landowner Bernardo was a revolutionary and an between Argentina and Chile for the named Simon Riquelme. In 1778 exponent of liberal republicanism. first time. he impregnated Riquelme’s teenage He became the first ever leader of In 1761 he was hired as a daughter Isabel. He funded the an independent Chile and remains a draughtsman by John Garland, an education of Bernardo Riquelme, but national hero in that country to this Irish-born captain in the Spanish would never meet his son in person. day. Royal Engineering Corps, and they A decade later, O’Higgins was 42 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Journey to Belmullet By Eugene Gillan

Sligo Harbour was a very busy port in I travelled with my father up to Sligo Belmullet and visited all the different the 1920s up until the advent of World and I slept well on board that night. streets. We even had a bite to eat in a War II. Each week Kelly’s coal boats The next morning at 7am the Tartar cafe. My father took both of us to visit of Liverpool would bring 300 tons sailed down by the deepwater quay the Scanlan family who lived opposite of coal from England. An oil tanker and passed on the right of Standalone the pier. We listened intently to all the would dock every two weeks and point, and Ballyweelin. I conversations about the history of the every two months a vessel of 5,000 could see the ruins of the coastguard area which were fascinating to our tons would bring a cargo of either station and passed by Puntibeag. The young ears. That night on the Tartar corn or wheat. Tartar blew her whistle as we sailed we slept well after all the endeavours The Sligo Steamship Company by our home village of , of the day. had ships bringing cattle to England. Oyster Island and the Metal Man. We The next morning at eight o’clock Burns and Laird also had a ship passed by the Blackrock Lighthouse the Tartar sailed for Sligo, passing transporting livestock to both England and Raughly Point and made our way again the Stag rocks. We eventually and Scotland. The ship, however, that towards Killala Bay. I could see the came to a headland called Patrick’s I was interested in was the SS Tartar. cliffs getting higher and higher and Head. Here according to local legend My father was mate on the Tartar then we came to a place called Dun was the spot from where Patrick and every week that ship would bring Briste, a tall rock with a fort on top banished all the snakes from Ireland! a cargo of either wheat or corn to about ten feet from the cliff. Once again we blew the whistle as we Belmullet. In the 1920s people would Eventually we docked at a small passed Rosses Point on our way home travel on the Tartar. There were six port called Portacloy and waiting for to Custom House Quay. bunks if passengers needed to stay us were about ten currachs. The ship On Quay Street the next morning overnight. Some weekends my father loaded each boat with a derrig. When we caught the 11-o’clock bus home would stay on board the ship berthed we made our way to another small to Rosses Point and my mother was in Sligo Port. port called , yet another delighted to see us home safe and The summer I was eight I was ten currachs were awaiting the sound. allowed, with my older brothers Tartar. On our way again we sailed My job was connected to the sea Tommy Joe and Gerry, to sleep on to Broadhaven, passing by the Stag and I sailed around the entire coast of board the Tartar when she berthed rocks and on finally to Belmullet. All Ireland, but the voyage to Belmullet on the quays. The sons of other crew along the Mayo coast the waves were was for me truly the voyage of a members would often do the same. very high and I was seasick for a short lifetime. An even greater entitlement during while. -- the summer months for the crewmen’s Next morning at 7am the ship began Thanks to Mandy Fogarthy for sons was to go on a trip to Belmullet. to load small lorries and horse and assistance on this article. My opportunity came the summer I carts. The son of another crewman, was 11 years old. One Sunday evening Alex Bartley, and myself walked into New York Marathon

From left to right: John Martin, Padraig Doddy and Sylvester Egan in New York, November 1999. They had just completed the New York Marathon. Submitted by Padraig Daddy.

43 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The O’Dowd Inauguration Site By Sam Moore

‘And the privilege of first drinking at Mayo, incorporating the baronies of of this is unrecorded and we are only the banquet was given to O’Caomhain Erris, Tirawley, and Carra, as well told it was east of the River Moy. by O’Dubhda, and O’Caomhain was as the barony of , east of the O’Donovan suggested that it might be not to drink until he first presented River Moy in the present Co Sligo. the very large cairn attributed to Queen it [the drink] to the poet, that is, The above prose tract suggests that Maeve, which crowns the summit of to Mac Firbis. Also the weapons, Uí Fhiachrach Muaide was divided Knocknarea. The cairn however, is at battle dress, and steed of O’Dubhda, by the River Moy, and also suggests a height of 327m (1083 feet), which after his nomination, were given the O’Dowds, who were descendants would have been a very impractical to O’Caomhain, and the weapons of the Uí Fhiachrach, had two place to host an assembly for an and battle-dress of O’Caomhain, to inauguration sites. John O’Donovan inauguration, and Knocknarea lies Mac Firbis; and it is not lawful ever identified Carn Amhalghaidh in outside the north-eastern boundary of to nominate the O’Dubhda until Tir Amhalghaidh (Tirawley) as Tireragh which is at , just west O’Caomhain and Mac Firbis [first] ‘Mullaghorn Fort’ at Croghan near of . pronounce the name, and until Mac Killala, Co Mayo, while Carn Inghine The leading authority on Irish Firbis brings the body of the rod over Briain was the O’Dowd inauguration inauguration sites is Dr Elizabeth the head of O’Dubhda; and after site in Tireragh. The exact location Fitzpatrick in the National University O’Caomhain and Mac Firbis every clergyman and comharba of a church, and every bishop and every chief of a district pronounce the name. And there is one thing, should O’Dubhda happen to be in Tir Amhalgaidh [Tirawley] he may repair to Carn Amhalgaidli to be nominated, so as that all the chiefs are about him : but should he happen to be at Carn Inghine Bhriain [in Tireragh] it is not necessary for him to go over [the Moy] to have the title given to him’. The quotation above is called the Uí Fhiachrach prose tract, compiled by Dubhaltach Mac Firbis, the scribe, translator and genealogist associated with the O’Dubhda (the O’Dowds) in c. 1650, and was translated from Gaelic by the Irish scholar John O’Donovan in 1854. It has been suggested that the text was originally compiled by Giolla Iosa Mac Firbis, the poet of the O’Dowds, between the years 1397 and 1418. This was after the O’Dowds had recovered the territory of Tir Fhiachrach (the modern barony of Tireragh in west Co Sligo) from the Anglo-Norman de Bermingham family. In the pre-Norman period the kings of the dynastic group known as the Uí Fhiachrach ruled the large territory of Uí Fhiachrach Muaide, Fig 1: Map of key sites at Augris Head region associated with the which covered the greater part of north O’Dowd inauguration site

44 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 of Ireland, Galway, who has alternatively suggested that Carn Inghine Briain is the two-tiered mound with an enclosing fosse (ditch) and bank, called Coggins’ Hill, at Kilrusheighter on the south- west side of headland. Other possibilities for its location in Tireragh might be the conical mound called ‘Sheeaun’ in Rathglass; the bowl barrow (an earthen prehistoric burial mound) at Scurmore, south of Inishcrone; or the mound at Cams in Castleconnor parish could also be considered. Dr Fitzpatrick, however, supports her argument that the evidence for Coggins’ Hill being Carn Inghine Briain is based on a combination of place name Fig 2: Coggin’s Hill, the inauguration mound of the O’Dowds in interpretation, the form of the mound Killrusheighter with Knocknarea in background right itself, traditions of Lughnasa festival (Image: Sam Moore) assemblies (gatherings around the earthen mound, 3m high, with a c. possible inauguration site of the last Sunday in July for the Harvest 22m diameter base, narrowing to c. McDermotts at Knockadoobrosna, Festival known as Lughnasa), horse- 10m at the summit. A smaller mound, near Boyle in Co. Roscommon; and racing and modern political rallies c. 0.7m high and c. 7.5m in diameter the large mound of Rathcroaghan on the Aughris headland; together is at the centre of the summit. The near Tulsk, Co Rosmmon, which with folk stories that suggest ideas of entire mound is enclosed by a shallow was once the inauguration site of kingship, and the constant references fosse (ditch), c. 0.85m wide, with the O’Conors. None of these have to the O’Dowds in local folktales. an external bank, c. 1m wide (figs 2 been archaeologically excavated so The use of two different and 3). The arrangement of a small it is unknown whether they are re- inauguration sites is very unusual and mound on top of the larger mound used prehistoric funerary monuments is probably due to 14th century political has similarities with the McGuire or simply earthen platforms put up propaganda from the O’Dowds. They inauguration site of Sciath Ghabhra especially for royal assembly, or a only had only recovered Tireragh out near Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh; the combination of both. of their former territory from the de Birminghams and it is likely that Carn Amhalgaidli was the original pre- Norman inauguration site, but they had to invent another at Carn Inghine Briain. It is unlikely the O’Dowds choose this new inauguration site randomly, but possibly selected Aughris because it appears to have been the place of a tribal oenach (a fair or gathering) during the pre-Norman period. Fitzpatrick suggests that the oenach site is possibly the Ruball Sionnaigh racecourse just northeast of Coggins’ Hill, in the townland of Aughris, where horse racing occurred up to the 1930s (fig 1). Coggins’ Hill lies towards the seaward side of a long, low, grassy ridge, with a dramatic 360-degree view. It is a steep-sided circular Fig 3: Aerial view of Coggins’ Hill (Image from Bing Maps)

45 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The small summit diameter of some reflect these rites, and local folklore at place of the O’Dowds. of them suggest that they were no more Aughris talks of a shoe-shaped grassy than ‘throne mounds’ accommodating impression where the O’Dowd kings the official inaugurators, which, stood. Acknowledgements in the case of Carn Inghine Briain The importance of assemblies I wish to express my gratitude for the was probably a member of the at Aughris is also reflected by the help received from Paddy Tuffy and O’Caoimhins and/or Mac Firbis, and instances when, as late as 1901, Jim Henry of the North Mayo and West Sligo Heritage Group. Thanks the king might have sat in a canopied Douglas Hyde and J P Henry addressed also to Janie Cone, Sharon Eastwood, ‘chair’ or stood placing his foot on a an Irish-language rally attended Auriel Robinson and Siobhan Ryan. stone. The open-air rituals associated by some 8,000 people on Garland with the inauguration involved Sunday, at Aughris, County Sligo. For Further Reading ceremonial clothing, the performance reasons undocumented and long lost Fitzpatrick, E., 2001. ‘An Tulach Tinóil’: of a clockwise turn (known as in oral tradition, Aughris headland Gathering-sites and meeting-culture in deiseal); the giving of a Rod of on the north Connacht coastline was Gaelic Lordships. History Ireland, 9 (1), Kingship or a Rod of Lordship, which then still regarded as the ‘Tara’ of 22-26. may be a branch of a sacred tree (or the barony of Tireragh. Reporting on Fitzpatrick, E. and Fenwick, J., 2001. The bile); a proclamation of the king’s the movement rally, gathering place of Tír Fhiachrach? Ar- chaeological and folkloric investigations name aloud and the surrendering The Sligo Champion (3 August, at Aughris, Co. Sligo. Proceedings of the of the king’s clothing and horse. 1901), recorded that: ‘The place of Royal Irish Academy 101C (3), 67-105. Other rites might include bathing; meeting was no less appropriate for drinking (often from a horned goblet); such an occasion, as Aughris has Greer Rev J., 1924. Windings of the Moy. chanting the genealogy of the king or many historic associations which Alex Thom and Co., Dublin. [Reprint a specially composed inaugural poem, recall the days when our grand old 1986, Western People, Ballina]. and feasting. There is often the rite of language flourished and the language MacNeill, M., 1962. The festival of Lughnasa: a study of the survival of the the single shoe where the king puts of the foreigner was unknown.’ In this Celtic festival at the beginning of harvest. his foot into a shoe-shaped stone or instance, the assembly area was used Oxford University Press, Oxford. [Reprint where a single shoe is held over his because it had more ancient assembly 2008 Comhair Bhéaloideas Éireann, head. This might symbolise a rightful connotations, as Aughris was in fact a University College Dublin]. king as the king being the one who Lughnasa festive site and that it may O’Donovan, J., 1854. The genealogies, will bring order to chaos, as well as also have been the location of an early tribes and customs of Hy-Fiachrach, a symbol of tribute or homage. Many medieval tribal assembly as well as commonly called O’Dowd’s Country. aspects of the opening quotation being the late medieval inauguration Irish Archaeological Society, Dublin. Distress in County Sligo, 1895 Submitted by Padraig Doddy

A letter to the editor of The Sligo would be the means of relieving the June and July, and destroy the pasture Independent in 1985 poor labouring class from the distress and hay crop which the farmers have which is prevalent this year. The solely to depend on. Dear Sir – I have seen by last week’s Baronies of , Corran and I hope the landlords who constitute issue of the Sligo Champion that have a population of poor, and part of the Grand Jury of Sligo and several prominent gentlemen are more so than any other part of the who have properties on either side exerting their powers in seeking relief County of Sligo, all of whom could of this river will assist in putting for the poor of their localities; also be much relieved by affording them the above much needed work into for the poor farmers to save them work in the form of relief. There is a operation which would be a great from the approaching famine which is river named the ‘Owenmore’ which boon to their tenant farmers. already appearing in several parts of rises in the Barony of Coolavin and Thanking you in anticipation, I am, the country. flows through the Baronies of Corran dear sir, yours respectfully, They have mentioned much needed and Leyny and empties itself in the Patrick Egan, , Ballymote. work, such as the construction of light Bay of Ballisodare. The farmers along 29 January, 1895 railways and the building of fishery this destructive river suffer heavy piers, which, if put into operation, losses from the floods which appear in 46 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Francis Tregian: Benefactor of Irish Refugees

By Frank Tivnan

Francis Tregian the Elder (1548-1608) was born in Probus, near Truro, in Cornwall. A staunch Catholic during the time of of England, he inherited big estates on the death of his father John Tregian. The surname Tregian is pronounced like ‘trudgeon’ to rhyme with ‘bludgeon’. Francis was the father of Francis Tregian the younger, a student of Douai, who was associated with music in England. In 1576 Cuthbert Mayne, a young Catholic priest from Yorkston in Devon took up residence in the guise of an estate steward with Francis Tregian. On 8 June 1577, the sheriff of Cornwall, Sir Richard Grenville, raided Golden Manor House, which was the residence of Tregian. He found the young priest and arrested both Tregian and Mayne. Mayne was executed in the square of the old capital of Cornwall on 29 November 1577. He was the first seminary priest in England to be executed for the Catholic faith. The crown of his skull is venerated in the chapel of the Franciscan Nuns of the Immaculate in Lanherne Convent near New Quay in Cornwall. The public can visit the chapel and venerate the precious relic during the day. The executioner became insane and died miserably soon after. Sir Richard Grenville was killed by the Spanish a The interior of St Roch where Francis Tregian is buried few days later. Cuthbert was canonised on 25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI. released by King James I. After his of St Roch outside the city. His feast day is on November 29. release, Tregian, weak and emaciated, During his stay, Francis was kind to Francis Tregian was also condemned retired to Madrid where he was given the poor and was a great benefactor to to death for harbouring a Catholic a pension by King Felipe III of Spain. the Irish refugees who were present in priest, but this sentence was mitigated As the very hot summers and Lisbon at that time. Francis died in St to imprisonment. He was gaoled at cold winters of Madrid did not suit Roch on 25 September 1608. He was Marshalsea Prison and later in the such a frail Englishman, the King’s buried under the floor of the church Fleet Prison, London. In total he was physician advised him to move to the there. After 17 years the tomb was imprisoned for 28 years. Owing to the milder climate of Lisbon. He went to opened for a new burial, but Francis influence of Philip II of Spain he was live with the Jesuits at their residence Tregian’s body was found to be

47 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 incorrupt. The Jesuits decided to bury Here is a translation of the The original St Roch was a 14th- him this time standing up in a new inscription in Portuguese carved on century hermit from Montpellier, and niche or grave underneath the pulpit Francis Tregian’s marble tomb: is the patron saint of plague victims. on the gospel side of the church. His Here stands the body of Mr Francis He is usually depicted as a pilgrim with standing up in the grave symbolised Tregian, an illustrious English a sore on his right leg accompanied by his standing up for the faith against gentleman, who after the confiscation a dog with a cake in its mouth. Elizabeth I. of his estates and after great St Roch’s Church was built in the Beside his tomb on the right-hand hardships during his twenty-eight 16th century for the Jesuits, and its side is located the world famous years imprisonment for the defence of magnificent interior is one of the chapel of St John the Baptist, built the Catholic faith in England during must-sees of Lisbon. in Rome and designed by Vanvitelli. Queen Elizabeth’s persecutions, There it was blessed by Pope Benedict died in the city of Lisbon on 25th of Sources XI who celebrated Mass in the chapel. September 1608 with great fame of PA Boylan and GR Lamb, Francis The dismantled chapel was shipped sanctity, and was buried in this church Tregian, Cornish Recusant (London to Lisbon in three ships, where it was of St Roch belonging to the Society of and New York, 1955) re-erected in the church of St Roch. Jesus. Seventeen years later his body Raymond Francis Trudgian, Francis Owing to the precious materials of was found entire and incorrupt, on Tregian 1548-1608: Elizabeth which it was built it was considered April 25th 1625, and placed here by Recusant, A truly Cornish Catholic the most expensive chapel ever made. the English Catholics resident in this Man (Brighton and Portland, 1998) It cost €225,000 in the 18th century. city. Glimpses of the past Submitted by Ursula Gilhawley The Caves of Kesh (From The Capuchin Annual, 1944)

Funeral of the Late T.H. Canon Quinn, Parish Priest of Ballymote 1921-1943 (From The Capuchin Annual, 1944)

48 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Family History at Colaiste Muire, Ballymote

By Michael Tarmey

in heritage and local history by supporting the family history module in Colaiste Muire. The Corran Herald is published annually by the Ballymote Heritage Group. During the family history module Martin brought the students through the various stages of researching the family history. These stages are outlined in his own article in this edition of The Corran Herald. The students found the module very interesting but too brief over a short The Transition Year students of which have led to family connections period of five weeks. Colaiste Muire, Ballymote, recently with very distant relations in Ireland The following students participated participated in a family history and overseas. [Editor’s note – see his in the course: Katie Anderson, Saoirse project. The course was organised by article later in this edition] Cunningham, Jake Flannery, Eoin Mr Charles O’Connor, Transition Year The course was sponsored and Killoran, Donacha Byrne, Mathew class coordinator. The class mentor supported by the Ballymote Heritage Devlin, Lisa Healy, Elaine Killoran, was Martin Curley from Moylough, Group. The aim of the Heritage Group Katelyn Collis, Aoife , Co Galway. Martin is recognised is to increase interest and provide Luke Hogg, Helen Loughlin, Eimear as a mentor of family history by the information on all aspects of history, Conlon, Sasha Donohue, Luke Kielty, Heritage Council. He works in primary archaeology, and heritage in Co Sligo Jason Mullen, Mark Mulligan , Ciara and secondary schools throughout the and beyond. This year, to celebrate Perry, Cian Quinn, Sorcha Rogers, western counties. He has run many the 50th edition of The Corran Herald, Nichole Scanlon, Arran Scanlon, successful courses with schools it was decided to encourage interest Emma Taheny and Brian Wienche. My Family History By Helen Loughlin - Transition Year, Colaiste Muire, Ballymote

As a class we really enjoyed working 1911. Over the course of our project family. He was an agricultural with Martin Curley and finding all I have discovered a lot of new names labourer. In the 1911 census he was about our family trees. We discovered in my family tree and a lot about who 62 and his wife was 57. John’s mother old stories of where they all lived, they married, how many children they was Catherine. Maurice and Catherine what they worked at and how many had and where they lived. We could were married for 20 years. John had were in their family. It was very even tell from reading the census the one sister named Bridget and she was interesting and we all really enjoyed type of house they lived in and how born two years before him. They lived it. many bedrooms was in that particular in a stone house with a slated roof. He gave us very useful websites house. There were two windows in the front to search for censuses, birth records, John Breheny was born in 1894. of the house, there was three bedrooms marriage records and death records. John was my great grandfather. John in the house and all four lived there. We all researched a few of our family married Ellen Wilson on 17 August I got all of this information just from surnames and most of us got some 1931 in Ballymote church. John was searching his name in the censuses impressive results and learned a lot a farmer when he married Ellen. The and I was very impressed. We loved more about our family’s past. witnesses of their marriage were Mary every second of being able to learn so Over the past five weeks I have Anne Merrick from Collooney and much more about our family tree and learned a lot about my own family Pat Linachan. we would love to do it all over again history. We’ve researched a lot of John’s father was called Marice if we could. different censuses from 1901 and Breheny. He was the head of the

49 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Uncovering a Family History By Martin Curley

My first visit to my grandmother conversation about who is related to Kate Gormally’s home house in whom. Lomaunagh, a short distance from Keep notes, dating and detailing who Lavally Lake near Tuam in Co Galway, you spoke to. Other than the obvious was not until a few years ago, and at questions – who were their parents, that stage no one had lived there for siblings, etc – sometimes it helps to over 60 years. It has just enough left ask a broad question regarding who to give an idea of the shape of what else the family were related to. With was once a typical small two-roomed the access to records it’s possible Irish thatched cottage. you will find connections to familes Although it was my first time at the who are gaol fada maith, i.e. distant site it was not my first time to see the relations who are still known as house. Years earlier as a small child I ‘friends of the family’. was fascinated by a picture that was Once you have started with your on top of a glass press in the parlour notes it’s important to create a digital of our house. ‘That is your great family tree using software, much grandmother, Nora Donnellan,’ I was of it free and available online. One told many times as I looked at the great site is Myheritage.com whose picture of her sitting comfortably on family tree builder not only allows her chair outside that same house in you to share your tree with others who Lomaunagh. Behind her you can see The picture of the author’s great- are interested, but also matches you the lace curtains and the oil lamp, and grandmother, Nora Donnellan, with people who are doing similar her pose is one of contentment and which so inspired him research. Its ‘smart match’ facility strength. means that you can share information When this picture was being taken 1860s. I was also grateful to step into and connections easily. in the late 1930s Nora was in her 90s the new house and meet family who Most people are good with their and she had lived through many tough shared the same Donnellan genes, grandparents’ names but some had days. Now you get from that photo a four generations apart. We remain grandparents who died young and at sense of her feeling accomplished in very much in touch and they are times those connections are lost. The reaching this time in her life where indeed ‘family’. recent release of the civil records her children’s children were growing Through the years my interest (births, marriages and deaths) at up and making their way in the in how this side of the family are civilrecords.irishgenelaogy.ie has world, both in Galway and in Salem, connected and what their story was allowed the information lost for a Massachusetts, where her son and has increased, and as well it has led generation to be accessible again. two daughters had emigrated to many me to think about the other families There is data protection so although years before. Soon after the picture that I am related to both near at home the records start in 1864 the birth was taken Nora would leave her own and far away. In the last few years records only go to 100 years ago, home and move in with her daughter there has been a great boon in family marriages to 75 years and deaths to 50 Kate, my grandmother, and Kate’s research in the digitization of records years. Not all are digitized yet and not husband Pat Curley. The house that and their availability for free online. all were recorded. Nora and her husband Pat Gormally I hope that this article will help you The local Catholic parish baptismal had built when they got married in understand how you can create a and marriage records are also available April of 1869, on land given to her by family tree of several generations in a limited form up to about 1880 her father Michael (Owen) Donnellan, using the newly available resources. from registers.nli.ie, but have yet to would be quiet and fall into ruin. Where to start? In most families be fully indexed. Paid subscription The reason for going down to visit there are people who are interested in sites like rootsireland, Findmypast was to meet for the first time Donnellan connections and those who are not. The and Ancestry.com have some of these cousins from Boston who had come former can be a wealth of information, records as well, as does the free site over and built a holiday cottage next not just for the immediate family but familysearch.org. In time these will to Nora’s home. Thankfully they for more distant connections as well. all be indexed and accessible. Parish had lovingly preserved the shell of Ideally you should arrange to meet records should be accessible through the house and I was grateful to step or chat with your family historian, the parish office and although data ‘inside’ and imagine what it was like whether it’s a relative close by or a protection rules affect some they when it was first built in the in the late cousin in the diaspora, and start the don’t affect those of baptisms over

50 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

100 years or marriages over 75. no paperwork to see migration between information for the beginner. The Please check with the parish priest or the countries, unfortunately, and most National Archives genealogy section, whoever administers the office. UK records are behind a paywall genealogy.nationalarchives.ie, not Church of Ireland records are much at Ancestry or Findmypast as well only has the census but also wills, older and these also are becoming as ScolandsPeople. You can access pension applications from 1909-21 available online at churchrecords. English and Welsh birth, marriage and (which sometimes contain information irishgenealogy.ie. Again check with death records at freebmd.org.uk but on the applicant’s mother’s name the local parish for access and some only as an index – it doesn’t show the and siblings), as well as the Tithe are available online at the sites full record. Applotment Books from the 1820s mentioned previously. The US records are more easily which list those in the townland who Starting with the marriage records accessible. stevemorse.org uniquely owe Tithes to the Church of Ireland the main information that can be allows you to search the emigration minister. The Tithes were contentious gleaned is the bride and groom’s records by name and home area and books were recorded of the fathers’ names, their address at the and his site is a good starting point. occupiers of agricultural holdings time of marriage, the location of the Ellis Island records are found at over one acre in most civil parishes. marriage, their occupation if any, and libertyellisfoundation.org, while other These are some of the many online sometimes their ages. In many cases records can be found at familysearch. records that are available. Sometimes their ages are merely recorded as org. All of these are free to use. The local records such as gravestones, ‘full’, i.e. they were aged over 21. 1940 US census is free to search at parish histories, newspaper articles, Using that information you can familysearch.org and free to access at family pictures or family Bibles further build the family tree by 1940census.archives.gov. For recent contain even more genealogical searching for the family on the census. records intelius.com allows you to information. Since coming back to my Starting with a search on the 1911 search for people still living as well native East Galway in August 2013, I census at census.nationalarchives.ie, as whitepages.com which gives you have worked full time in genealogy. you can search initially for the family access to a current address. I have developed a programme for name and the county of residence and There were many reasons to emigrate schools both national and for the scroll through the results (making sure and some of these involved land and secondary transition year programme you have 100 per page and sorted by the handing down of land to one son, to help students research their family’s DED, i.e. District Electoral Division) thus limiting the prospects of other history. It has been very rewarding to see where they are recorded. family members. Land records from when I see the enthusiasm of many John Grenham’s site johngrenham. the 1850s can be accessed through the and their excitement at finding records com will also give you access to all Griffith’s Valuation, a survey of land and connections. the listings of your surname in the ownership and usage which details the In many schools in rural areas there 1901 Census as well as give you the tenants and landlords for an area. They is a large web of relationships which variants. This is important names are available at askaboutireland.ie and sometimes has been lost, and doing can be changed in spelling over time. can be accessed by John Grenham’s their family history has opened up a My great-grandmother’s ‘Donnellan’ site through places, and then clicking renewal of family friendships. I was has multiple variants and sometimes on the townland in the relevant civil asked to work in Colasite Mhuire cousins and indeed siblings have parish. Ballymote as a result of a project been known to use different ways in The Griffith’s Valuation records in Colaiste Mhuire Ballygar where records. This can lead to seemingly the area rented and the value of the students had one of their parents no matches. However, another part of property. This was the foundation do a DNA test. This led to many Grenham’s site allows you to search of rates which lasted until the 1976 exciting discoveries about their own by ‘Places’. By doing that and going General election. When a property connections as well as to the diaspora. to the DED according to the Civil changed hands or size the transaction Indeed one discovery may lead to a Parish maps, you may find that the was noted by the valuation office and famous Hollywood film star finding record has either been mis-transcribed inserted directly into the valuation his roots in the area, but that is a story or otherwise entered incorrectly. books, and every so often a clean copy for another day. Aside from a few areas where the was made. The cancelled books and the It has been an amazing few years census records were not microfilmed last copies are not accessible online at helping families in the diaspora and then digitised, if your family were the moment but can be readily viewed reconnect with their ancestral roots. in Ireland in 1911 then they should be at the Valuation Office, Irish Life Looking at Nora’s peaceful gaze in the there. Sometimes though the family or Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin parlour picture I am sure she is happy possibly your ancestor may not have 1. This can help in family history to know that her story has inspired been there on the night of the 1911 by seeing the line of succession and me to help others uncover theirs. If Census. Perhaps they were a seasonal the approximate date of death of the you would like to know more please migrant worker to Britain or had had previous tenant. contact me either at martinjcurley@ spent some time in the US or Canada. Finally, there are other online gmail.com or facebook.com/ As Ireland was part of the UK there is records that may contain family SoghainGenes.

51 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Raise a glass for a ‘Student’! By Nial Friel

major companies have an interest in was to develop theory for small research and development, but in the samples. This allowed Guinness to late 1800s this was far from the case. be more certain that the information In particular, Guinness were keen to contained in small samples of hops bring new knowledge and insights to (proportion of hard to soft resin) the brewing process. Gosset certainly would generalise to much large fitted the bill and proved to be a very samples of the scale needed for their astute appointment. His knowledge production. His work was published of mathematics and chemistry left in the esteemed journal Biometrika him ideally placed to provide unique under the pseudonym ‘Student’. insights. Why ‘Student’? Gosset’s career in Guinness But why use a pseudonym? The Around the turn of the 1900s the answer is that up until just before output from St James’ Gate increased World War II, Guinness would not dramatically year on year. It was allow its employees to publish papers clearly of practical importance to under their own name. Indeed, they Guinness to maintain the quality of were very hesitant to allow work the beer it produced while increasing arising from their studies to be volume but also decreasing cost. As published at all, for fear of giving an every Guinness drinker knows, hops advantage to their competitors. They provides the distinctive flavour in a wished to keep strictly secret the pint. Yet a key question vital to the advantage resulting from employing William Sealy Gosset brewing process was to understand statisticians and the enlightened One of the most important discoveries which type of hop to use. Often this scientific approach that was key to in statistics, a subject often called the was decided subjectively based on their success. Gosset was however science of data, was discovered by a looks and fragrance. But this was very keen that his breakthrough would humble brewer working for Guinness. clearly an inadequate method given be shared with the wider scientific His work has had an enormous impact the demand which Guiness needed to community. In the end he convinced across the sciences and continues to meet. his employers to allow him to publish play an important role wherever data This is where Gosset played a key work, which they agreed to on the is collected. What is more intriguing role. His boss believed that the best condition of anonymity. In the end all is that he is known by the pseudonym way to determine the quality of the but one of his papers were published ‘Student’! How did a brewer from hops was to calculate the proportion of under the pseudonym ‘Student’. Guinness make such an important soft resin to hard resin in a hop flower. Anyone who has studied statistics, scientific discovery and why is so The resin is part of the hops which even at a very basic level, will have little known about him? imparts flavour and is extracted during encountered this work as Student’s William Sealy Gosset was born the brewing process. However, the t-test. It forms a cornerstone of the in Canterbury in 1876. He studied information on these proportions were theory of statistics and is now applied mathematics and chemistry at New only available from small samples in every branch of science. It is hard College, Oxford. Upon graduation he which were collected from harvested to understate the importance and wide was hired as a brewer for Guinness at hops. It was therefore important to impact of this work. the St. James’ Gate brewery in Dublin, understand whether the proportion where he worked from 1899 until of soft to hard resin found in these Life after Dublin 1935. When Gosset began working at samples would be maintained as At the end of 1935 Gosset left Ireland Guinness it was already positioned as more and more hops were harvested, to take charge of the new Guinness the world’s largest brewery. In contrast thereby leading to accurate estimates. brewery in London. During this to many large companies of the day, it Unfortunately, the only theory to time, although heavily involved in had a focus on scientific research to help with this problem applied to large setting up the brewery, he continued help improve its business. Today, most samples. Gosset’s key breakthrough to publish his work. By all accounts

52 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Gosset was a humble and modest man. He is further described as ‘... beloved It is unlikely that he could have ever He is described by a close personal by all those with whom he worked and anticipated the influence his work friend as ‘very kindly and tolerant by a select circle of professional and would have on every area of scientific and absolutely devoid of malice. He personal friends, who revered him as endeavour. So the next time you hold rarely spoke about personal matters one of the most modest, gentle, and a pint of Guinness, raise a glass to the but when he did his opinion was well brave of men, unconventional, yet modest brewer, William Sealy Gosset! worth listening to and not in the least abundantly tolerant in all his thoughts superficial.’ and ways.’

Teeling Street in the 1960s. Photo provided by Joseph Flanagan.

A photo from about 1959 featuring Begley’s Ford Motor Showrooms at the corner of Lord Edward Street and Teeling Street, where Cryan’s is now. The building was designed as a motor showroom which explains the large plate-glass windows. They would have been a great novelty at the time and very expensive. Note that there are several 1950s models of the popular Ford Anglia in the street which may well have been purchased there. Pake Begly was also involved in setting up the cinema, and both the shop front and cinema are in Art Deco style. Photo provided by Joseph Flanagan.

53 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 A Casino hidden in plain sight By Jack Gilligan

The Casino at Marino must be one of might assume that it is some sort of rooms, across three floors which await Ireland’s best kept secrets! This awe- monument or sculptural piece. If one discovery inside. inspiring architectural gem has stood encountered it in another country, a On entering the Casino one is just off the Malahide Road in North mausoleum to some famous leader transported to a world of grandeur, Dublin for over 250 years and yet might come to mind. A walk around beauty and remarkable architectural many people have only a vague idea the building reveals a rather intriguing design. The small hall or vestibule with about the building or its origins. structure with four similar, but very four doors, classical motifs on a plaster Designed in the 1750s as a distinct, façades. One’s attention is ceiling and a beautifully patterned pleasure house for James Caulfeild, drawn to various features including the parquet floor suggests that a rich 1st Earl of Charlemont (1728-99), lions guarding the four corners, statues journey of discovery has begun. The by the renowned architect William of the gods Bacchus, Ceres, Apollo wonder and admiration is sustained as Chambers, the Casino was taken and Venus on top of the building, one moves through the various rooms into the care of the Irish State in the imposing columns and carved details including the Saloon, the beautiful 1930s but it wasn’t until 1984 that of ox-skulls, shields and garlands. The China Closet, the atmospheric Zodiac the restored Casino was opened eye-catching urns on the top are later Room and the very impressive State to the public. A visit to this lesser- discovered to be chimneys in disguise Room. The other informal rooms known but hugely important part of and the columns are revealed to hold and the basement all hold their own our architectural heritage is highly their own secret! The diminutive scale fascination for the visitor. recommended. of the building still suggests a one- Outside the building at basement Approaching the ornate but story, possibly one-room, structure level one can see the entrances to a deceptively compact structure one and reveals nothing of the several mysterious series of interconnecting underground tunnels and chambers. The original purpose of these is unclear – some may have been designed as bathing pools others, possibly, as storage areas. A theory that the tunnels were intended to connect to Marino House, the main residence

The Casino at Marino Detail of the building

54 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 on the estate, but were left unfinished Europe, Asia Minor and Egypt. His Charlemont’s grand design for the when Charlemont’s finances dried interest in Roman civilisation and his Marino estate did not stop with his up, could well be true. While the love of antiquity, culture, books and beloved Casino. Other buildings and original purpose of the tunnels is art meant that many of these years features were added at considerable open to conjecture we do know that were spent in Italy. There he mingled expense and for which mortgages they played a small part in the War in high society and spent vast amounts had to be secured. Near the Casino of Independence – the longest tunnel, of money collecting artworks and he constructed a Gothic Room, which now open to the public, was used in antiques. He also met many artists, was possibly used for banqueting 1921 by Michael Collins and other including the architect William purposes. There was also a hermitage rebel leaders for shooting practise as Chambers and the sculptor Simon or primitive garden dwelling, walled they acquainted themselves with the Vierpyl, who would play crucial roles gardens and an artificial lake among first Thompson submachine guns to in his later ambitious plans for the the features. arrive in Dublin estate at Marino. The lavish expenditure incurred by The story of the Casino at Marino On his return to Dublin, Charlemont Charlemont left the estate in serious began in 1754, when the young James commenced work on the development financial difficulties after his death Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont, was of the estate in the Italian style he so and ultimately led to the disposal offered a house and small estate by admired. He planned to enlarge the of the lands. All that remains of the his step-father, Thomas Adderley, to holding, create a Casino or pleasure estate now is this beautiful, intriguing, entice him back from foreign travels. house, and to add several classical Casino standing proud on a few small In 1746, at the age of 18, he had set features. He commissioned his friend acres. James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of off on an extended trip as would William Chambers to design the Charlemont, may have left a legacy have been customary in aristocratic Casino as an antique-style garden of debts for his heirs but his legacy to society at that time. He differed from building in the shape of a Greek Cross. the Irish nation of this neo-classical his contemporaries however in that Although the Casino has several masterpiece deserves our sincere his travels would last for almost nine rooms, there is no evidence of any gratitude, and our resolve to visit this years and take him through southern long-term occupation of the building. wonder that is the Casino at Marino. Blizzard of Forty-Seven By Joan Gleeson Seventy winters past graveyard. But short legs in six-foot snow drifts Our green isle lay silenced under an Roads, all blocked. Wonder when we can go out. arctic, white blanket Have to wing it – no sat nav, After night of blizzard morning comes, Instinct all they have. Farm life struggled on front door opened – crash! Army called Porch filled with drifted snow Trees are like giant Christmas cards Dig poor sheep and cattle out Shivering robins, unable to fly Farm gate snowed over between Now the council gives a shout. Sit, puffed up, still alive. Tops of six foot pillars only peering No snow ploughs, not even heard of through the drifts Every able-bodied man working with Cattle lowing for fodder Open well now a glistening iced muffin spade and shovel. Cock crowing in company of hens. Water frozen - melt the snow Main roads, side roads to uncover. No fowl play today No school. Must stay in pens. No church. So the clearing thus continued No shop. ’Till mother nature lent a hand Total isolation, consternation, Potatoes in the barn, salted bacon in To return the countryside No communication. the box To our ever-resilient green land. No phone. Bag of flour by the fire Back to school in slush and wellies No text. Make the soda bread Thank God no such blizzard since has No email.a The children must be fed. been Radio our only salvation. And none we hope No school this week, next week and Will be forever seen. Old neighbour dies. further. Coffin drawn on planks to frozen Snowman making without end 55 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 A fixture of Ballymote life An interview with Alfie Banks

Poem by John M Dennedy, submitted by Kathleen Martyn

Ballymote almost lost one of its place for the first time, it was apparent leading citizens, Alfie Banks, during it needed a lot of work, which he took the late 1940s to the ‘Big Smoke’. on with help from his relatives. Later After a brief legal job stint in he upscaled in order to accommodate Ballymote that didn’t keep him busy his growing family. He saw a house enough, Alfie worked for an insurance for auction at Abbey Terrace, called company in Dublin. However, while St. Anthony’s, which is across from in the capital city he contracted a Gilmour’s, now Henry’s garage. nasty case of pleurisy and during his recovery back in his home place of The sporting life Kellystown, Ransboro, he decided to One of the first of many activities remain in his home county, a decision that Alfie was to be involved with for which many are grateful. in Ballymote included boxing. As a Alfie was canvassed (‘headhunted’ young (and then unmarried) law clerk, in today’s parlance) and accepted a he was invited to take part in the local new job in Ballymote as a law clerk boxing club. He then had “a bit of a for Eamonn P. Gallagher, who had spar” with a fellow about his same taken over the Rochford firm and had build but went away with a bloody branches in Ballymote, Tubbercurry nose. Alfie Banks and Gurteen. Alfie would make the “That was curtains for my boxing through her brother Tim, who was a 15-mile journey home to Kellystown career,” he laughed. garage proprietor in Ballymote. Mary on a Saturday by bicycle and return Alfie got interested in Gaelic was a nurse for a time in Nottingham, to Ballymote on Monday morning, football in Ballymote. He had been England, and also worked in which took him an hour. During the involved with his home Coolera team Clonmel. She and Alfie got married work week he boarded with some as a secretary and had handed that job at Sligo Cathedral in September 1954, other single gents in Ballymote. over to Pete Cooney. In Ballymote, attended by their families. coach Neal Farry had been appointed Within a year of being married, Ballymote family days to Ballaghaderreen, so Alfie was Alfie secured a council house in Alfie met his wife Mary (nee Daly), asked to take over the secretaryship in Marren Park, but upon seeing the who was from Newmarket, Co Cork, Ballymote until Farry could return. Alfie also volunteered to help build Corran Park. There were no big machine diggers available during those days so creating the park was hard labour with spades, picks and shovels. Huge sections of sod were moved with help of horse and cart, said Alfie. “The greatest promoter of the park was a priest in Ballymote, [Fr Denis O’Hara, CC] and he spent every day below the park that was being developed at the time,” Alfie said. “Taking the clay from the high section down to the lower section and lifting it … and put them on the side of the road. I was fascinated by that. When they were finished, I remember going

56 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 in and helping; I was always willing listened to radio shows every night, at each other’s venues, including to work in any way I could. I could such as ‘Around the Fire’. Alfie said in Boyle, Conlon’s pub in Gurteen, point out the section where I put in the Josie Kelly was asked several times Sweeney’s in Riverstown, and Kelly’s sod”. by Radio Eireann to play on one of hotel [on Bridge Street, Sligo] Alfie Corran Park officially opened on their programmes, along with Frank said. Ballymote’s own Comhaltas May Day of 1949 to much fanfare, Morrison [brother of Riverstown’s had an impressive membership. The according to a 1988 Corran Herald James Morrison]. “I loved listening to musicians used to gather at Kelly’s article. Alfie said the Ballymote Reed them and that’s how I got interested in hotel for “mighty sessions”, which and Brass Band played as the Mayo Irish music”, he said. included the great Willie Clancy of and Louth players marched onto the Once in Ballymote, Alfie helped Co. Clare. field. form a branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí “We got so strong, we had about 60 Alfie also participated in Ballymote’s Eireann [now called Craobh Paddy members, 2 shilling each membership tennis club, the courts of which were Killoran], for which Alfie served in Ballymote”, said Alfie. “They were inside Ballymote Castle. The Corran as secretary and is now honorary dedicated”. Herald published a photograph of the CCE. One other organiser was Frank Alfie said they booked a concert club during the 1920s posed in front Mulvey of and sessions at the Abbey [the Art Deco] cinema of Ballymote’s great Norman fortress. were held at the ‘Denette’ hotel. with bands from Collooney and “There were two tennis courts and “We’d have a powerful session of . It was successful a shelter. We had great fun playing music there”, Alfie said. “(Frank) beyond their wildest dreams. tennis”, he said. “I love sport of every was crazy on Irish music. And people “We had three céilí bands and a kind”. began to know about it. We had packed house of musicians. It was so musicians, Fred Finn, Peter Horan, successful that the proprietor Bartley Cinema John Walsh, loads of them around, Cryan said, ‘There’s about 50 people Alfie witnessed many exciting Willie Coleman, John Joe Coleman”. out the door and we have no place for moments of Ballymote history, In addition to Ballymote’s group, them’. They had to be turned away, it including the opening of the cinema, Alfie was also involved in the was a powerful session,” he said. which is now the renovated Art Deco. Riverstown branch. Friday nights in a The following year they invited “I was in the cinema … the night it Riverstown pub would have a “packed the All-Ireland CCE down top fiddle opened with a concert”, said Alfie. “It house” until the landlady shouted player from Newry for another packed was a beautiful cinema… I remember closing time. A few were invited up concert. The subsequent year was also a man singing on the stage and he got to the kitchen to enjoy “a cup of tea, sold out. “Packed houses each time”, a great applause.” At the end Alfie said entertaining, chatting and all of that, he said. the performer received a huge encore and it grew from there”. However, they got little funding and somebody shouted for him to sing Alfie got in touch with the parents and after paying expenses, they only When You were Sweet Sixteen. of the gifted up-and-coming musician cleared about £5. They attempted to “He sang it and it became one Seamus Tansey of Gurteen, Alfie said. host a fleadh in Ballymote with the of my favourite songs. I heard it “He was a powerful flute player.” O’Connor family of musicians and ‘creeping up’ on the ladder on [Radio] Alfie wrote Radio Eireann to ask dancers from Ballymote. They had Luxembourg. It hit the number one if they would give the young man such a great group of musicians that mark.” an audition, to which they agreed. Alfie thought it would be a good idea Seamus later won the All-Ireland flute to ask Television Eireann to record When first I saw the love light in your title in 1965 and has been on television them, to which the broadcaster agreed. eye and radio many times. The group’s patriarch, Don I dreamt the world held “He never looked back from O’Connor, drove his bus with Alfie and naught but joy for me thereon”, Alfie said. “He was called all the musicians to the Dublin studios And even though we drifted far apart umpteen times”. to perform on a television spot. ‘Din I never dream, but what I dream of Later in 2006, Alfie said the Joe’ (Denis Fitzgibbon), described thee Comhaltas group in Gurteen, which by Alfie as the Ryan Tubridy of his I love you as I never loved before … included ‘Junior’ Davey, whose father time and host of the ‘Take the Floor’ When you were sweet was the great fiddle player Andy programme, presented the show. When you were sweet sixteen Davey, bought the old creamery there One concert held in Ballymote and made the site into what is now featured an All-Ireland champion Irish music the Coleman Irish Music Centre, in fiddle player and the Kincorra Ceilí Music has always played a large honour of the town’s famous musical Band, a member of which was brother part in Alfie’s life, beginning in son, Michael Coleman. to Ballymote member Kathleen Kellystown. He was a fan of fiddle The traditional Irish musicians of Harrington. player neighbour Josie Kelly and also South Sligo kept busy playing sessions

57 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

“They went wild in the cinema!” Alfie said. “They were up on their hind feet, ‘More, more, more!’ I thought we’d never get out of it. They were fabulous”.

Loftus Hall In addition to his other community work, Alfie took over the running of Loftus Hall which held popular events such as line dancing. Maintaining the hall took much time but Alfie’s devotion was acknowledged when Fr Joe Caulfield, now a priest in Gurteen, nominated Alfie for ‘Person of the Year’. The event turned out to be a great celebration with band music, a dance and nice meal, joined by his family from near and far. He was presented with a large book of photographs and a large “wad” of launched in 1989. Alfie said forming share his engaging stories – and we cash, which he used to buy a large the union involved him and the are so very glad to listen. glass case for his home in which to voluntary committee taking a year’s display some of his beloved treasures, training, studying a large book of References including Ballymote memorabilia. rules, requirements and regulations Ballymote Credit Union history. http:// “We had a mighty night,” he said of from the Irish League of Credit ballymotecreditunion.ie/about-us/ that special evening. Unions’ main Dublin office. There [accessed 8/04/2017] In 1980 Alfie was requested to be a have been many developments since, Ballymote Credit Union news. Ballymote candidate in the Baron of Ballymote including new premises with storage, notes. Sligo Champion. www.independent. and Viscount of Corran mock the hiring of a part-time worker and ie/regionals/sligochampion/localnotes/ ballymote-carnival-atmosphere-as-new- elections and collected contributions installation of a computer system. hotel-opens-27552200.html [accessed of part of the fundraising project for Alfie said Catherine (Cassie) Finn, 8/04/2017] the Ballymote GAA Club. He wasn’t another great Ballymote citizen, was Ballymote Tennis Club photograph. The appointed for the office, but had a ball its first member. “I’m number 10 Corran Herald: 2013-2014, p. 9. https:// playing the town crier dressed up with myself,” Alfie said. issuu.com/ballymoteheritagegroup/ a false beard and cloak. docs/the_corran_hearld_2013 [accessed “Hear ye! Hear ye!” he cried out, Ballymote’s living legacy 26/03/2017] while ringing a big bell in town. “I did The citizens of Ballymote can “Corran Park Development”. The Corran the streets and there were crowds out” be grateful for all the positive Herald, 13-1988, p. 4 and 11. and helped raise “piles of money” contributions Alfie Banks has made http://ballymoteheritage.com/wp-content/ for the GAA and local charities. to his adopted area. Despite a busy uploads/2016/07/13-1988.pdf It was £8,200 in total, according law career and raising a large family, [accessed 26/03/2017] to a 2013 Sligo Champion article. he has volunteered much of his time “Hear Ye, Hear Ye!” The Sligo Champion Coincidentally, Gladys Hannon was to enrich the sport, Irish music and / Independent. http://www.independent. elected the first female ‘Baroness’ community life of this bustling market ie/regionals/sligochampion/news/ hear-ye-hear-ye-do-you-fancy-being- that year. Alfie also volunteered town. for Ballymote Community Care, towns-baron-29168855.html [accessed Alfie’s beloved wife, Mary, passed 26/03/2017] including taking annual busloads of away in 2010 but he is well looked History of Rochford Gallagher & elderly people to Knock Shrine. It was after by his children, grandchildren Co. solicitors. http://www.rochford- a good day out, which included a meal and the staff of the Ballymote gallagher.com/ourhistory.php [accessed and Mass. Community Nursing Unit. Although 26/03/2017] retired and close to age 95, Alfie is not “When You Were Sweet Sixteen” lyrics Credit Union finished being an active contributor by James Thornton. www.kinglaoghaire. Ballymote has Alfie Banks to thank to the town. He religiously walks to com/lyrics/333-when-you-were-sweet- as one of the founding members of Mass every day, dressed in a natty sixteen [accessed 26/03/2017] the Ballymote District Credit Union, tweed jacket and cap, regales holiday which has been going strong since parties with his singing, and loves to 58 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Keash Football Team, Sligo Junior Champions 1961

By David Casey

The champions of 1961. Back row, left to right: John Tom Cryan, Mike McGowan, ---, Pa Benson, Alan Brehony, Sean Coleman, Francie Kielty, Thomas Brehony, Mick Farrell, Sean Fox, Mick Mullaney RIP, Noel McMememy RIP, Pat Garvin, Jimmy Greer, Paddy Hannon RIP Front row, left to right: Sean Carty, Vinnie Cryan, Fr John Brehony RIP, Pakie Tansey RIP, Fr Rickie Devine RIP, Michael F Regan (Hon Secretary) RIP, Johnny Kielty, ---, John Joe Kielty, Josie Benson RIP. Photo courtesy of Sean and Mae Carty.

Come all ye of Sligo Our lads, attacking from the start, We had the Benson Brothers, And listen to my praise Showed Coolera how it was done. Survivors of ‘forty-nine. It’s not about Cork’s hurlers They notched the scores like We had the Kieltys, Brehonys Or Kerry’s glorious days. champions And Father Rickie Devine. It’s about a team from Keash As points came one by one. Mullaney, Cryan and Farrell And what I say is true, Then a major score by a forward Were on that great team too, They were the finest stalwarts, That was, no doubt, well taken, All were worthy players These boys in white and blue. And believe me, Coolera’s hopes To wear the white and blue. Were well and truly shaken. October 15th in ‘sixty-one Then there was our captain Tansey Was a day of great renown. The first half was exciting Who gave many a fine display, The Keash team’s loyal supporters With dash and skill and speed Hannon, Carty and Sean Fox Made their way to Sligo Town. And at the call of half-time Who all shone on that day, They went in cars and buses Keash were five points in the lead. Coleman, Garvin and Noel Mack, And some on bicycles too, Early in the second half The lads from the Travellers’ Rest Each one to give encouragement Coolera launched some fierce attacks, Who were always on hand and willing To the boys in white and blue. But every movement perished To give only of their best. On Keash’s stonewall backs. The Keash team were determined We had Greer and Harte and Duffy To bring honour to the parish, When the final whistle sounded And McGowan, the star half-back, To win the Junior Championship Cup Our heroes had won well, And of course we had Johnny Kielty That any club would cherish. Some Cooleras wished them luck Who came the whole way from Their opponents were Coolera While others wished them hell. Knockbrack. Who were determined too, Keash supporters crowded to the pitch And then we had the supporters But they couldn’t match the heroes, To cheer the boys in blue, Who were always loyal and true The boys in white and blue. The cup was back again in Keash To cheer in victory and defeat First time since ‘fifty-two. The boys in white and blue.

59 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Slater’s Directory of 1870 Submitted by David Casey

Slater’s Commercial Directory past six evening. Money Order and Ballymote – Michael Doyle, master; of Ireland, 1870, contains a short Savings Bank. Lizzie Doyle, mistress description of each town listed at the Nobility, Gentry & Clergy – Roger McDermott, time. The location of each place is Armstrong Captain James W. J.P. master; Attie S. Kivlahan, mistress given in relation to the nearest railway Chaffpool Tobercurry – John Kearns, master; station. The names of individuals Brett John Esq. Tobercurry Matilda Nicholson, mistress are listed under headings such as Cooper Miss Kate, Summerton post offices, nobility, gentry, clergy, Crozier Rev. Graham the Glebe, Auctioneers & Valuators schools and various occupations and Riverstown Morrison Robert L. Ballymote commercial activities. Duke Jemmet, Esq. J.P. New Park O’Brien James A. Ballymote In Slater’s of 1870, Ballymote is Featherston Rev. James, Riverstown listed with Tobercurry, Bunnanadden Feeny Rev. Eugene P.P. Riverstown Bakers and Riverstown. Personal names and Gethin, John, Esq. J.P. Ballingdoon, Brackin Maurice, Ballymote place names are listed alphabetically. Riverstown Burke John, Tobercurry The spellings of names in this article Gethin Richard, Esq. J.P. Earlsfield Coghlan Bartholomew, Ballymote are as given in the directory. Gray John, Esq. Carnaleck Connolly William, Tobercurry Some population figures are Gumley Philip, Esq. Ballymote Devine Patrick, Tobercurry provided. Ballymote in 1851 was 965, Henry Rev. James, P.P. Bunnanadden Dockry John, Ballymote and in 1861 was 1,268. The population Heton Mr. Abraham, Abbeyville Druggan Connolly, Riverstown of Bunnanadden was returned with Jackson Rev. James, Castleloye, Flynn, Michael, Riverstown the parish of Cloonaghill, but was not Tobercurry Healy Thomas, Tobercurry given. The population of Riverstown Judge Rev. Thos. Sooey, Riverstown Howley Thomas, Tobercurry in 1861 was 339 and that of Tobercurry McDermott Rev. James, Ballymote Kelly Thomas, Bunnanadden in 1861 was 842. McDermott Rev. John, P.P. McDermott Luke, Bunnanadden Tobercurry McTernan Michael, Ballymote POST OFFICE, BALLYMOTE, McDonnell Jos. Esq. J.P. Doo Castle Manning Michael, Tobercurry William Lougheed, Post Master. Meehan Rev. Edward, Cloonacool, Morrison Robert L, Ballymote Letters from all parts arrive at fifty Tobercurry O’Brien Bartholomew, Ballymote minutes past three morning and at Moore Rev. Arthur, the Glebe, O’Donohoe Robert, Ballymote half-past one afternoon; and are Ballymote Quin Dominick, Tobercurry despatched at forty minutes past Mountmorres Rev . Lord. Achonry Teevan Luke, Ballymote eleven morning and at fifty minutes Mullarkey Mr. Patrick, Ballyara, past eight evening. Money Order Tobercurry Blacksmiths Office and Savings Bank O’Connor Mr. Charles, Roadstown, Brennan Richard, Ballymote Tobercurry Cawley Michael, senr. Tobercurry POST OFFICE, BUNNANADDEN, Perceval Mrs. Ann, Templehouse Cawley Michael, jun. Tobercurry Martin Hunt, Post Master. Letters Reeves Thomas, Esq. Tobercurry Gaffney Edward, Bunnanadden from all parts arrive (from Ballymote) Reynolds John G. Esq., Castle Lodge Hannon Michael, Ballymote at twenty five-minutes past six Scully Rev. Patrick, Killaville, Keenan Peter, Ballymote morning, and are despatched at forty Bunnanadden McDermott Bernard, Riverstown minutes past seven evening. Tighe Rev. Denis, P.P. Ballymote Moran James, Riverstown Schools POST OFFICE, RIVERSTOWN, CHURCH SCHOOL, Ballymote – Boot & Shoe Makers John McGarry, Post Master. Letters John Gorman, master; Eliza Smyth, Cawley James, Ballymote from all parts arrive (from Ballymote) Mistress Cawley Thomas, Ballymote at twenty minutes past eight morning, CHURCH EDUCATION Coan Bartholomew, Bunnanadden and are despatched at fifteen past six SOCIETY’S SCHOOL, Riverstown Coleman Michael, Tobercurry evening. – Jas Lindsay, master; Mary Henry, Craig James, Ballymote POST OFFICE, TOBERCURRY, mstrs. Craig William, Ballymote Bridget Henry, Post Mistress. Letters CHURCH EDUCATION Duffy Michael, Tobercurry from all parts arrive (from Ballymote) SOCIETY’S SCHOOL, Tobercurry – Hannon Stephen, Ballymote at ten minutes past seven morning, Thomas West, master Healy Hugh, Tobercurry and are despatched at fifty minutes NATIONAL SCHOOLS – Henderson John, Ballymote

60 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Irwin Stuart, Ballymote Grocers & Dealers in Sundries McGarry John, Riverstown Lyons Peter, Tobercurry Anderson John, Ballymote McGethrick Patrick, Ballymote McGarry Patrick, Bunnanadden Barlow John, Riverstown McGethrick Thomas, Ballymote McGinnis Thomas, Ballymote Benson Patrick, Tobercurry McTernan Michael, Ballymote Quigley Martin, Ballymote Berreen John, Ballymote Mahon Joseph, Ballymote Reid George, Riverstown Bourns Edward, Tobercurry Manning Michael, Tobercurry Rogers John, Tobercurry Bourns John, Tobercurry Marron Michael, Bunnanadden Scanlan Andrew, Ballymote Breheny Martin, Tobercurry Morrison Robert, Ballymote Tighe Michael, Riverstown Breheny Michael, Ballymote Morrison Robert L, Ballymote Walsh Thomas, Ballymote Brennan Thomas, Tobercurry O’Brien Bartholomew, Ballymote Wynne, John, Riverstown Brett John, Tobercurry O’Brien Bridget, Ballymote Burke John, Tobercurry O’Brien James, Ballymote Butchers Cawley John, Ballymote O’Connor John, Ballymote Connolly William, Tobercurry Clifford Matthew, Ballymote O’Donohoe Robert, Ballymote Dyer Patrick Ballymote Coan Bartholomew, Bunnanadden O’Dowd Dominick, Ballymote Flanagan Patrick, Ballymote Coghlan Bartholomew, Ballymote O’Hara Patrick, Ballymote McHugh Luke, Ballymote Coghlan Patrick, Ballymote Quigley Martin, Ballymote Torsney James, Riverstown Connolly William, Tobercurry Quin Dominick, Tobercurry Torsney Thomas, Riverstown Conway Patrick, Riverstown Reynolds John, Tobercurry Cooke Mark, Tobercurry Roddy Mary, Ballymote Carpenters & Cart Makers Davy Hugh, Ballymote Rogers Henry, Ballymote Cogan John, Riverstown Davy Martin, Ballymote Roger James, Ballymote Ginn Samuel, Tobercurry Deasy Ellen, Ballymote Rogers Martin, Ballymote Healy Charles, Ballymote Devine Nicholas, Tobercurry Sheridan Andrew, Ballymote McGethin John, Tobercurry Devine Patrick, Tobercurry Smyth Patrick, Riverstown McHugh John, Ballymote Dockry John, Ballymote Stewart James, Riverstown Moffatt Charles, Tobercurry Donagher Peter, Ballymote Tighe James, Tobercurry Murray James, Ballymote Donohoe Martin, Tobercurry Timon James, Ballymote Reynolds Patrick, Ballymote Duffy Michael, Tobercurry Wynne Thomas, Ballymote Saultry John, Ballymote Dyer John, Ballymote Fahey Michael, Ballymote Guano Dealers & Seedsmen China, Glass & Earthenware Flynn Ellen, Riverstown Clarke Thomas, Tobercurry Dealers Flynn Martin, Riverstowm Irwin Stuart, Ballymote Clifford Matthew, Ballymote Flynn Michael, Riverstown Morrison Robert, Ballymote Cook Mark, Tobercurry Foy Bridget, Tobercurry Dockry John, Ballymote Foy Patrick, Bunnanadden Hardwaremen McGann Andrew, Ballymote Gethins Peter, Riverstown Barlow John, Riverstown Morrison Robert, Ballymote Gorman Henry, Ballymote Clarke Thomas, Tobercurry Morrison Robert L. Ballymote Gray Margaret, Tobercurry Cooke Mark, Tobercurry Tighe Thomas, Tobercurry Hannon Patrick, Ballymote Flynn Michael, Riverstown Healy Hugh, Tobercurry Irwin Stuart, Ballymote Coopers Healy Thomas, Tobercurry Morrison Robert, Ballymote Gethins James, Tobercurry Hogge John, Ballymote Morrison Robert L., Ballymote Leonard James, Tobercurry Howley Thomas, Tobercurry Smyth Patrick, Riverstown Maron Michael, Tobercurry Hunt Honoria, Bunnanadden Irwin Alexander, Riverstown Hotels Emigration Agents Irwin Stuart, Ballymote Cooke Thomas, Tobercurry Devine Nicholas, Tobercurry Judge Alice, Ballymote Doyle Denis, Ballymote Irwin Stuart, Ballymote Judge John, Riverstown McDermott Patrick (commercial), Morrison Robert, Ballymote Judge Michael, Ballymote Tobercurry Morrison Robert L. Ballymote Keane John, Tobercurry Morrison Robert L. (commercial), O’Brien James A. Ballymote Kerin Catherine, Ballymote Ballymote Kerin John, Ballymote Fire &c Office Agents Killoran John, Bunnanadden Leather Sellers City of Glasgow – Robert L Killoran Michael, Ballymote Bourns Edward, Tobercurry Morrison, Ballymote McDermott Luke, Bunnanadden Breheny Michael, Ballymote English & Scottish Law Life – McDonagh John, Ballymote Clarke Thomas, Tobercurry Robert Morrison, Ballymote; & McDonnell Mary, Tobercurry Crann Patrick, Tobercurry Nicholas Devine, Tobercurry McGann Andrew, Ballymote Duffy Michael, Tobercurry 61 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Flynn Michael, Riverstown Benson Patrick, Tobercurry Healy Hugh, Tobercurry Berreen John, Ballymote Timber, Iron & Coal Merchants Lyons Peter, Tobercurry Breheny Martin,Tobercurry Brett John, Tobercurry Morrison Robert, Ballymote Brennan Thomas, Tobercurry O’Brien Bartholomew, Ballymote Quigley Martin, Ballymote Burke Patrick, Tobercurry Smyth Patrick, Riverstown Cannan John, Tobercurry Wine & Spirit Merchants Cawley John, Ballymote Donohoe Martin, Tobercurry Coghlan Bartholomew, Ballymote Morrison Robert L. Ballymote Linen & Woollen Drapers & Coghlan Patrick, Ballymote Tighe Thomas, Tobercurry Haberdashers Conway Patrick, Riverstown Brennan Mark, Tobercurry Cooke Thomas, Tobercurry Woollen Drapers Brett John, Tobercurry Cosgrove Mary, Tobercurry See Linen and Woollen Drapers Brett Thomas, Tobercurry Crann Patrick, Tobercurry Cannan Thomas, Ballymote Dawson Patrick, Ballymote Miscellaneous Collery Patrick, Tobercurry Donagher Peter, Ballymote Connor Michael, stonemason, Cooke Thomas, Tobercurry Donohoe Martin, Tobercurry Riverstown Devine Nicholas, Tobercurry Dorkan John, Tobercurry Fox John, butter merchant, Ballymote Devine Patrick, Tobercurry Doyle Denis, Ballymote Healy John, dyer & cleaner, Donohoe Jane, Tobercurry Dyer Patrick, Tobercurry Riverstown Flynn Michael, Riverstown Fahey Michael, Ballymote Henry Maurice, painter & glazier, Gethins Peter, Riverstown Flynn Michael, Ballymote Ballymote Irwin Alexander, Riverstown Ford Robert, Ballymote Lougheed Wm. apothecary, Kerin Catherine, Ballymote Gilmartin Patrick, Tobercurry Ballymote Lawson Archibald, Ballymote Hogge John, Ballymote McMorrow Edwd. Pawnbroker, Morrison Robert, Ballymote Howley Thomas, Tobercurry Ballymote O’Brien James A, Ballymote Hunt Honoria, Bunnanadden Reynolds John G. solicitor, Castle Reynolds John, Tobercurry Leonard James, Tobercurry Lodge, Ballymote Stewart James, Riverstown McDermott Luke, Bunnanadden McDermott Patrick, Tobercurry PLACES OF WORSHIP Milliners & Dressmakers McGann Andrew, Ballymote AND THEIR MINISTERS Brett Thomas, Tobercurry McGethrick Patrick, Ballymote PARISH CHURCHES - Cannan Thomas, Tobercurry Manning Michael, Tobercurry Ballymote… Rev Arthur Moore, Donohoe Jane, Tobercurry Marron Michael, Bunnanadden rector Lawson Archibald, Ballymote Moran Francis, Tobercurry Achonry… Lord Mountmorris, rector O’Brien James A, Ballymote Morrison Robert L. Ballymote Riverstown… Rev. Graham Crozier, O’Brien James, Ballymote A.M. rector Nail Makers O’Brien Michael, Ballymote Tobercurry… Rev James Jackson, Costelloe William, Ballymote O’Donohoe Robert, Ballymote incumbent Ferny William, Tobercurry O’Hara Patrick, Ballymote ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPELS:- Smyth Thomas, Tobercurry Quin Dominick, Tobercurry Ballymote… Rev Denis Tighe, P.P; Physicans & Surgeons Rogers Henry, Ballymote Rev James McDermott, Burrows Thomas, M.D. Tobercurry Rogers James, Ballymote Bunnanadden… Rev James Henry, McMunn Andrew, M.D. Ballymote Rogers Martin, Ballymote P.P; Murray Thomas S, M.D. Tobercurry Sheridan Andrew, Ballymote Rev Patrick Scully, curate Shiel Margaret, Riverstown Riverstown… Rev Eugene Feeny, Posting Houses Tighe Thomas, Tobercurry P.P; Conway Patrick, Riverstown Walsh Francis, Ballymote ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPELS Doyle Denis, Ballymote West Thomas, Tobercurry contd. McBrien Michael, Tobercurry Rev James Featherston and Rev McLanghry William, Riverstown Tailors Thomas Judge, Morrison Robert L, Ballymote Breheny Bartholomew, Ballymote Tobercurry… Rev John McDermott, Quin Dominick, Riverstown Carroll Thomas, Ballymote P.P; Rev Edward Meehan, curate Connolly Michael, Ballymote METHODIST (Wesleyan) CHAPEL, Saddlers & Harness Makers Costello Thomas, Ballymote Ballymote… Ministers various Cryan Michael, Ballymote Dyer James, Ballymote Healey Thomas, Ballymote Feely Thomas, Tobercurry POOR LAW UNION Gilmartin Luke, Tobercurry WORKHOUSE TOBERCURRY Spirit & Porter Dealers Irvine John, Tobercurry Master…. Jeremiah Roddy Begley James, Ballymote Keelry John, Ballymote Matron… Maria Flynn 62 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Schoolmistress… Eliza McGoldrick Patrick F. McGloin, M.D; Coolaney, Riverstown… Thomas Burrows, Protestant Chaplain…Rev Jas. Rowland Blennerhassett, M.D; M.D, medical attendant Jackson Tobercurry, Thomas Stanley Murray, Tobercurry… Thomas Murray, M.D, Roman Catholic Chaplain… Rev M.D medical attendant John McDermott, P.P Bridewell and Court House, Medical Officer…Thos. Stanley Ballymote… Jackson Hawksby, CAR Murray, M.D keeper To TOBERCURRY, a Mail Car, from Clerk to the Union… James Donohoe the Post Office, Ballymote, every Relieving Officers……John CONSTABULARY STATIONS – morning at forty minutes past five, McGethrick, Tobercurry; Daniel Ballymote… John Connor, Head and returns every evening at seven Mullarkey, Dromartin; James constbl. McManus, Coolaney Riverstown – Robert Allman Smyth, CONVEYANCE BY RAILWAY sub-inspector; Michael Ward, head ON THE MIDLAND GREAT REGISTRAR constable WESTERN LINE Superintendent Registrar of Births, Tobercurry…… Thomas Reeves, Station, BALLYMOTE…. Robert Deaths and Marriages …James sub-inspector; Paul Carty, head Edward Thompson, station master Donohoe, Banada constbl -- Registrar of Marriages… John Thanks to the National Library of Connor, Tobercurry DISPENSARIES – Ireland for the content of this article. Registrars of Births, Deaths and Ballymote… Andrew McMunn, M.D, Marriages… , & Curry, medical attendant A Crazy Dream By Joan Gleeson On long dark nights The Kincora Ceilí Band plays when sleep won’t come Michael Coleman’s reels and and I try to house my thoughts hornpipes, A clipping from the Sligo Champion But they are having none of it. how I love to hear the likes. of Mrs Kathleen Harrington née Gardiner, who was a fiddle player They throw open the doors I want to stay here, of the cited Kincora Ceilí Band. Her and windows of my mind. stay forever. family (the author’s own family) Take off like a swarm of butterflies But my lovely dream has turned to came from Killavil. landing, fluttering and flying high nightmare before folding their wings This to all of you I now must share. and settling on some sleepy flowers. Here comes emails, he-mails, she- I fall asleep at last mails! I dream. I’m chased by Twitter and Facebook I have a crazy dream. I’m falling down the hill. I’m surrounded by forty-nine A noise awakens me Golden issues of The Corran Herald No rest for the wicked! with the tromach tramach The click of the letter box of Irish life unfurled. with post delivered They soar on eagles’ wings brings me down to earth. with articles on history The fiftieth issue ofThe Corran and all sorts of things. Herald has given birth. Now don’t forget this is a crazy To those involved: dream Congratulations may I say Grass-hoppering around from scene and here’s to fifty more to scene. Lé cunamh Dé. So now I’m up on Grehan’s Hill reading Pat James Duffy’s writing still. 63 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 William Bourke Cockran By John C McTernan

to Dublin. The boy’s education was wonderful voice and captivating Irish continued at the Marist College in brogue, attracted instant attention in Lille and at Summerhill College, the most distinguished gatherings. He . Originally intended for the took high rank in his profession, but priesthood, the family reverses caused the splendour of his voice as a public him to abandon that career. Instead, he debater obscured, to some extent, decided to seek his fortune in the New the real and solid talent underlying World. He bade adieu to his widowed his genius. There is a story told that mother, brothers and sister, and set in his first case, the judge, impressed sail for the United States. The year by his effective speech on behalf of was 1871 and Cockran was then 17 his client, addressed him as ‘Judge years of age. Cockran’. In the country of his adoption, ‘He has taken you for the famous Bourke Cockran hewed-out for Judge John C Cockrane of Westchester William Bourke Cockran himself a remarkable career. His first County,’ whispered a colleague William Bourke Cockran, orator, job was that of a porter, and later a in awed tones. ‘All right’, replied lawyer and statesman, was one of clerk, in a department store in New Bourke Cockran, ‘perhaps someday Sligo’s most influential sons, and a York, at a salary of 36 shillings a week. Judge Cockrane will be mistaken for prominent figure in the public life Within a year, and with the assistance me.’ of the United States for more than of a medical friend, he secured a Bourke Cockran was a natural a quarter of a century. His paternal teaching post in a large public school orator of extraordinary power, and grandfather, Tom Cockran, the in Westchester and seemed destined it was this unusual accomplishment proprietor of a large freehold estate, for a career as an educator. But fate that first lifted him to fame. Nature was an influential man, popularly decided otherwise. Cockran, who had had bestowed upon him with a lavish referred to in his day as the ‘Mayor developed a flare for oratory during hand the rare and precious gifts of of Ballinacarrow’. His son, Martin, his schooldays in Ireland, joined genuine eloquence. From the great described as ‘a handsome and daring the Westchester Debating Society files of his memory he could produce young sportsman’, a survivor of the and soon distinguished himself as at will the material his lips needed for ‘rollicking generations depicted in the a budding orator of great promise. instant use. This, with the richness of novels of Samuel Lover and Charles A Justice of the New York Supreme his vice, the grace and earnestness Lever’, had a passion for horses, and Court was so impressed by Cockran’s of his deliveries, and his faculty for his favourite pursuit was hunting with manner and style of speaking that he immediate comprehension and swift the hounds over the hills of Claragh. advised him to study law. and perfect expression, made him In April 1850, when little more than This was the turning point in one of the greatest orators of his 20 years old, he married Harriett Bourke Cockran’s career. He qualified age. He could speak in thunderous Knight-White, who came from a as a lawyer and was admitted to distinguished Limerick family. Of the American Bar in 1876, a mere that union was born four sons and one five years after his arrival in the daughter, the most famous of whom United States. He commenced his was the celebrated William Bourke professional career in New York, and Cockran. it was not long until his natural talents Bourke Cockran was born at and industry made him one of the Claragh, in the parish of Kilvarnet, most conspicuous figures of the legal on 28 February 1854. He was only profession in that city. The Sligo-born five years old when his father died lawyer made his mark through his at Carrowkell House from injuries great oratorical powers, and he was sustained in a fall from a horse. After engaged in all the major lawsuits of her husband’s death, Mrs Cockran his day. Nature had blessed him with disposed of her interest in the family a tremendous advantage over his estate and moved with her young colleagues in the legal profession. family to Sligo, where Bourke – His striking physical appearance – as he was known – attended the ‘the leonine face, magnificent head, Marist School. In 1865 the Cockrans powerful body and buoyant carriage’ – changed residence again and went coupled with his magnetic personality,

64 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

his rare eloquence and took him to voice led the American-Irish protests its bosom. By 1884 his fame had against the execution of the leaders of become national. In the Democratic the . He never lost faith Presidential Convention of that year in the cause and never hesitated in the he delivered one of the greatest effort, whether by word or action, to speeches of his career in opposition to help in every honourable step towards the nomination of Grover Cleveland. the triumph of . In 1886 he was elected to Congress Despite success and fame, Bourke as one of the New York Democratic Cockran never forgot the place of his delegation. He served six terms in the origin. In June 1903 he visited Ireland House of Representatives between and received a tremendous welcome in 1886 and 1909. his native county. From Ballymote he For almost a quarter of a century the was escorted in triumphant procession ‘silver-tongued orator’ of Sligo origin to Sligo, where, on June 6, he was was one of the most influential and made a Freeman of the Borough, the respected members of the House of highest honour that could be bestowed Representatives, and his utterances on on such a distinguished son. Cockran A rare book on Cockran provided various topics always commanded the was deeply moved at the reception he by Michael Coleary. attention of that assembly. Time out of received. Thanking the Mayor and number, the great auditorium echoed citizens for the honours accorded to tones of denunciation or in the quiet and re-echoed to his eloquence. He him, he said: ‘It has been my pleasure easy flow of the conversationalist. was unafraid either to form his own to receive some honours in the course Whenever and wherever he spoke views on important political issues, or of my life, but, I doubt, if anything has he was sure of a large audience, for to maintain them, even to the extent occurred, or if anything is like to occur, those who disagreed with his opinions of leaving the Democratic Party in that could afford me the satisfaction enjoyed the brilliancy and wit with 1896 because of his advocacy of the with which I find myself enrolled which they were expressed. One of gold standard. His speeches on tariff among the honorary burgesses of his greatest feats of oratory was the and currency questions are among the my native town … The true test of address he delivered to the students noblest examples of parliamentary a man’s worth is the opinion held of of the Irish College in Paris in 1903. eloquence. He became the recognised him by those who are most intimately Learned Frenchmen in the audience exponent of fiery and persuasive acquainted with him… No testimony pronounced the effort to be equal rhetoric, and his name was the or attention can be more gratifying to to the best of Bossuet’s orations in synonym for audacious and arresting anyone as that which comes from the beauty and sentiment and sustained oratory. He made his mark on Congress people amongst whom he was born.’ eloquence. To the Americans he in no uncertain manner, and when his During the course of that visit he was known as ‘Tammany’s Mark death was announced the leaders of laid the corner-stone of a new Catholic Anthony’. To the Irish he was ‘the both political parties joined in paying church in his native Ballinacarrow and Orator of the Race’, and his lofty tribute to his memory. Successive contributed handsomely towards the character and unrivalled eloquence speakers referred to him as ‘one of cost of its erection. A plaque within were ‘their proudest possessions’. the greatest orators of all time’, and the church recalls the memory of that ‘The days of the great orators have ‘one of the most brilliant ornaments district’s most famous son: ‘Pray for gone,’ wrote Sir Shane Leslie, ‘but in of American statesmanship’. the soul of Hon. Bourke Cockran, a the majestic line of Irish eloquence Bourke Cockran was one of Ireland’s generous benefactor of this Church.’ from Burke and Grattan to O’Connell, most sincere patriots and influential On 1 March 1923 the hand of death and finally to Redmond, there must be sons. ‘His love of the homeland grew stilled forever the most eloquent voice a niche for Bourke Cochran.’ even deeper as the years went by,’ in America. Bourke Cockran’s passing A selection of his most fluent wrote one biographer. For over 30 was widely mourned. In 1903 John addresses, entitled In the Name of years his was the most powerful voice Redmond had paid him this tribute: Liberty, was published in New York raised in America on behalf of Home ‘So far as Ireland is concerned, neither in 1925. Rule. He was always a strong supporter fame nor fortune, brilliant success nor The gifted orator and popular of the Irish national movement and the applause of men has ever been lawyer eventually became the the friend of many Irishmen who able to turn him from a steadfast and successful statesman. In this arena went to America seeking aid for the self-sacrificing devotion to Ireland’s he was a match for the great political ‘auld country’. Amongst these were rights…’ leaders of his day, and all in turn were Roger Casement, John Dillon and He is buried in the Gate of Heaven glad of his unpaid championship. John Redmond. Ireland’s ultimate Cemetery, New York, and the large Bourke Cockran commenced his freedom was his life-long dream. He Celtic Cross over his grave bears the political career in opposition to was one of the principal speakers at following inscription: ‘God gave him Tammany within the Democratic the Irish Race Convention in New the great gift of speech which he used Party. But Tammany soon discovered York in March, 1916, and his noble for his Faith and his Country.’

65 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 A Sad and Violent Confrontation Submitted by Padraig McDermott

These events took place on Saturday woman ran forward to the police and wounds and died on Wednesday April April 9th, 1881 said, ‘All we want are our possessions 6 Reported for the Freeman’s Journal, and that you will leave the rooves of Sub-Constable Hayes, head and Boyle, Monday night 11 April our cabins over us for another year.’ bayonet wounds -- She pushed forward telling the Joseph Corcoran, shot through the I regret exceedingly to [describe] the police that they would not in any heart and died instantly affray between the police and the way try to harm them. Suddenly, the Brian Flannery, shot through the head, people which occurred on Saturday police drew across the road with fixed died instantly. He was unmarried and in the townland of Clogher near bayonets, fired under instructions. aged 24. in the count of Sligo. Broder was to the front, revolver in James Broder, Process-server, hand. Shots were fired by the police, The police sergeant was badly beaten attempted to serve notice on Thursday with terrible and fatal results. but was saved by the intervention to tenants on the estate of Arthur The people fled, but those who were of a woman who pleaded with the French of Johnstown, Straffan, Co so close to the police, that in any mere assailants on his behalf. The reporter Kildare, on Thursday 31 March, attempts to turn would have been shot for the Freeman’s Journal visited the 1881. Fearing for his safety, Broder in the back. The men who were close Corcoran home where his wife and six requested the assistance of police to to Constable Armstrong and sub- children were uncontrollable. perform his duties. No less than 40 constable Hayes, incensed by the turn The funeral of Corcoran and police were drafted into the barracks. of events, were grabbed and beaten by Flannery to Kilcolman Cemetry were Broder appeared outside the village a number of men, but Broder and two the largest ever seen in the locality. of Clogher, a place of four or five guards escaped the wrath of the others The funerals were attended by Rev Mr cottages. He was not escorted by and fled to safety. Two policemen O’Hara and the Rev C A Connington. 40 police or the military who were protecting Broder was noted for their The place where the affray took place stationed in Ballaghadereen, nor was diligent shooting ability to protect is covered in blood and due to dryness he accompanied by a magistrate. him. of the weather has turned to a sort of He was accompanied along the road People groaning in agony were mud clay. The stones about the place by Constable Armstrong and three lying around. The scene was like a are besmeared with blood. sub-constables. They were armed battlefield lasting not longer than ten After the burial service, the clergy with rifles. The Process-server carried minutes. The angry crowd set upon the asked them to pray for the souls of the a bulldog revolver. They ascended a Constables beating them senseless. brave men who fell victim to bayonets hill which is so steep, having a plateau The injured were: and buckshot while defending of about six feet, that one cannot Hugh O’Reilly, buckshot wounds to themselves. see a person coming in the opposite the face, head and shoulders The entire multitude were moved to direction until they are 12 yards or so Darby Duffy, leg wounds tears. Everything is perfectly quiet in of each other. Michael Casey, wounds in the face the district. The police have obeyed When Broder came to the summit and shoulders from buckshot the instructions of Fr O’Hara. on the other side of the plateau were Patrick Flaherty, buckshot wounds A cenotaph was erected to the seen mostly women, boys and girls, M Sharkey, bullet wound in the head memory of Corcoran and Flannery at the men being in the rear. A young Constable Armstrong had eight the scene of event.

Light Aircraft at Rosses Point during the early 50s, the Swallow and the Myles Messenger. Photo by Kevin P Murray

66 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Saints, Sinners and Saffron Buns By Lynda Hart

It is said that the Devil had no wish to enter Cornwall since he didn’t want to be made into a pasty or a saint.

The Celtic countries and regions share many cultural and historical traits. New advances in DNA and isotope technologies can now show not only the wider regions where our ancestors lived, but also pinpoint smaller specific areas where they were born and raised. The Orkney vole, a small mammal only found on the Orkney Isles and which can be found in and dated to pre-history, came from France, and must have arrived on boats that transported our ancestors many millennia ago. Later these same sea routes would be used by the Bronze, Iron Age and Phoenician people who traded in tin, copper and gold. It was also these routes that would have brought the first saints to the shores of the Celtic The giant Cormoron being killed by Jack lands. Erea. His sister Ia sailed to Cornwall but has been reburied for protection). from Ireland on a cabbage leaf (it St Piran continued with his Saints was probably a coracle). However teachings. He was also fond of a Cornwall’s place names give an when she landed at Hayle she was not drink, and there is an old saying ‘As indication to the wealth of saints that made welcome as she couldn’t sustain drunk as a Perraner’. The Cornish visited the area. St Just, St Ives, St herself. She left Hayle and travelled a national flag of a black background Columb, St Mawes St Neot and St short distance, found some land and with a white cross is a representation Euny, to name but a few. (Perhaps grew cabbages from her one cabbage of a day when St Piran, while sitting Cornwall was a very heathen land!) leaf and the area became known as by his fire, noticed the hotter the black Many of these saints were linked to Porth Ia, know known as St Ives. stones became, the more they leaked Ireland and Brittany and they travelled Cornwall’s most famous saint a silver liquid that was tin. Misguided in the 4th and 5th centuries. however is St Piran, the patron saint of medieval scholars thought that St Piran Breage, near Helston, Cornwall, Cornwall. Born in Ireland he travelled was St Ciaran of Saiger, the founder is named after St Breca. She and her the country, teaching his beliefs, but of Clonmacnoise. This is unlikely as brother Gemoe were disciples of St he annoyed an Irish king who tied a St Ciaran of Clonmacnoise was said Patrick and St Brigid and travelled millstone around his neck and during to have died only aged 32, whereas we from Ireland. Both lived their lives in a dreadful storm with hail, thunder are told St Piran lived to 200! great sanctity. Germoe is also a place and lightning, he threw him over a name near Helston. cliff into the raging sea. But as the Sinners St Mawes was the tenth son of millstone and St Piran hit the water, The Cornish myths and legends have an Irish king and is also revered in all at once the sea calmed, the wind always had giants in them and they Brittany as St Maudez. His stone chair ceased and the storm abated, and St were always the same: big, bad and is still preserved in the wall of a stone Piran floated off. He was washed up bold. cottage in the village of St Mawes, on a Cornish beach called Perranporth One of the most famous may have near Falmouth. where in the large dunes of sand, been the inspiration for the fairy tale St Fingar arrived from Ireland with behind the beach he built his oratory. of Jack and the Beanstalk. This story his brothers St Brecca, St Euny and St (This has been excavated at least twice also has intriguing similarities to 67 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 some of the construction stories for our oldest megalithic sites such as Carrowmore and Lough Crew. There was once a giant named Cormoran who, with his wife Cormellion, lived in the forest that covered the ground around St Michaels Mount in Mounts Bay, between Penzance and Marazion. Cormoran wanted to make an impressive stronghold so he sent his wife to collect white granite boulders which she bore back in her apron. One day while Cormoron slept, his wife decided to collect the nearer greenstone instead. When Cormoron awoke he was so enraged that he beat his wife, causing her apron strings to break and the green stone boulders to The tea treat of 1905 at Redruth station on the way to St Ives Grey be dropped. Mounts Bay forest has luring of boats onto rocks. But if a Neolithic origins and all that remains boat was wrecked, the local people – today are submerged tree stumps that who were often incredibly poor and sometimes can be seen at very low sometimes near starvation – would go tide. But a large block of greenstone to the shore to collect any goods they stands on the causeway to the Mount, could find. Many people would be dropped from Cormellion’s apron. involved, sometimes whole villages At both the Carrowmore and and quite often the clergy. Washed Lough Crew Neolithic complexes up or smuggled contraband was the building legend says that the sometimes kept in church crypts, bell Calilleach Bherra (the Hag) dropped towers and even tombs. stones from her apron as she flew over Smuggling was a dangerous the land which became the megalithic occupation that many Cornish people structures. found themselves drawn into due to Cormoron terrorized the local poverty. It is estimated that between population, stealing their cattle. A 1780 and 1783 as much as two million A tea treat saffron bun reward was offered to anyone who pounds of tea and 13 million gallons was better than quality and the last tin could slay the giant. Jack, a young of brandy were smuggled into the mine in Cornwall closed. local lad, took up the challenge. He country, due to the exorbitant taxes What did these early traders trade? first dug a deep pit, covering it with that were levied on them by the One of Cornwall’s iconic foods is the sticks and straw, and then lured the government to pay for war against the saffron bun. Was saffron traded for tin giant by blowing his hunting horn. French. in pre-history? Cormoron ran down the mount to see The penalties for being caught were Saffron comes from the plant crocus what the commotion was and fell into harsh. Prison, huge fines and even sativus and is an indigenous flower the pit, where Jack sprang forward and death were meted out to those either of the Near East. The dried stigmas dispatched the giant with a blow from caught smuggling or harbouring of the flower are more expensive per his pick-axe. For his bravery he was smugglers. gram than gold. Only three stigmas given a sword and a belt. Jack became are produced per plant, and they are a super-hero, killing wolves, breaking Buns and pasty so delicate they must be harvested the skulls of pirates and dispatching Although there is no direct evidence by hand. Although the Romans are giants as far away as Wales. that Phoenician and Carthaginian credited with bringing saffron to Away from legends, in the 18th traders came to Cornwall, Cornwall England, the Phoenicians or other century the local communities were has been the foremost tin producer traders trading for tin probably sometimes looked upon as sinners since the Bronze age. The tin has brought saffron to Cornwall. because of an illicit action called always been of the highest quality and Saffron growing became established ‘wrecking’. Despite the name, sought all around the world, until in in the Bude and Mounts Bay areas. wrecking didn’t involve the deliberate the 1980s people decided that cheap The English town of Saffron Walden

68 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

friends never went to Sunday school had a very important part to play or church of any denomination, but during the years of tin mining. The my best friend and I would go on the miners would take their pasty into the train or be driven by her mother to mine to eat for lunch and they’d pick St Ives (Porthminister beach) for the it up by the crimp to eat it. The crimp annual tea treat. We would be given itself was not eaten as the miners had a pasty each, a bottle of ‘pop’ and our no way to wash their hands, and one tea-treat bun. There were probably of the by-products of the tin industry people in charge but we spent the day was arsenic. So by not eating the exploring, sunbathing and swimming. crimp, they kept themselves from Starry gazzy pie The older children watched over the being poisoned. got its name from the production of younger ones but it was a day of The crimp was left in the mine for the flower. freedom and fun. I seem to remember the ‘knockers’, the ‘little people’ who In the 19th century the Methodist that the sun always shone! lived in the mines and, much like church ran the unique ‘Cornish tea Almost all saffron is imported now faeries or pixies, could be malevolent. treat’. The tea treat took place on Whit but it is still grown in small quantities The miners said you could hear them Monday and was attended by adults in parts of the UK, including Cornwall. banging their hammers in the mines and children. They would take place In most supermarkets in the UK and if they were not happy. In reality the in a large field near the village and Ireland you can buy a pasty. But you ‘knocking’ of their hammers was there would be a short service before cannot buy a ‘Cornish pasty’ unless it gas, which was sometimes heard just the feast began. The highlight for the has been produced in Cornwall, as it before an explosion. All of miners had children was the tea treat bun, a large has protected status. naked flame candles to light their way. saffron bun that was flattish but the A ‘proper’ pasty has savoury In 1815 Sir Humphrey Davy invented size of a tea-plate. All children were shortcrust pastry (not too short) rolled the miner’s safety lamp, which expected to attend Sunday school out to the size of a medium dinner dramatically cut the number of gas each week, and so qualify for the tea plate. Thinly sliced potato is placed explosions in both tin and coal mines. treat. It was a community event with in the centre, then thinly sliced swede, The history, stories, language and tea, food and games. The tradition of followed by finely chopped onion. traditions are similar in many of the the tea treat began to decline in the Small pieces of shin of beef are placed Celtic lands, but also very different 1960s. atop this mound of vegetables. It is and diverse. The important part During the early 1970s growing up seasoned with salt and pepper and though is remembering, writing and in Cornwall, my friends and I looked some chopped parsley added. The passing on to the generations to come forward to going on a tea-treat. I edges are then pulled together and the this rich tapestry which defines us all. have no idea how we were able to pastry ‘crimped’, pinched and folded go. I was brought up a Catholic, my over to make a neat seam. The crimp

Group on a jeep beside the cairn on Knocknarea in 1948. Left to right: Peig Murray, Des Collier, Kevin P Murray, Tom McCrann, Bertie ??

69

LAYOUT NOTES: Hey Niamh, this is a bit of a complex one I’m afraid. The table needs to accompany the article somewhere, printed large enough to easily read. I’ve marked the approximate place in the next where images 1, 3 and 4 should go. You can put image 2 anywhere that works, but it should be large enough to make out some of the detail of the different dragonflies. The table is clear in the original Word document, I know it’s showing up a bit strangely in the IDML file. Let me know if any of this is not clear! Stephen

CAPTION INFORMATION: Image 1:The Brown Hawker is a large dragonfly. Note the eyes which meet on top of the head and the wings that are held open at rest. Image 2:The twelve species of dragonflyT HEand damselflyCORRAN found atH CloonacleighERALD •. Top 2017/2018 row (L- R): Emerald Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Variable Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly. Middle row (L-R): Blue-tailed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Common Hawker. Bottom row (L-R): Hairy Dragonfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Black Darter, Common TheDarter. Dragonflies and Image 3: The Common Blue Damselfly was by far the most commonly recorded species. Image 4: The Four-spotted Chaser, so named for the black spots that lie half-way along the Damselfliesleading edge of each wing. of Cloonacleigha

By Michael Bell TABLE TO BE INCLUDED (Note there is a caption below the table!): Common Name Scientific Name Records Earliest Latest relatively large eyes of dragonflies Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa 24 26 June 22 Sept meet on top of the head. It should be Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella 6 28 May 26 July noted that all the damselflies in this Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum 12 22 May 15 July article have damselfly as part of the Common Blue Enallagma cyathigerum 56 9 May 4 Sept common name, whereas the hawkers, Damselfly chasers, skimmers and darters are Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans 14 4 June 31 Aug Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula 30 24 Apr 15 July all dragonflies. Both dragonflies and Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis 30 26 June 21 Sept damselflies spend much of their lives Common Hawker Aeshna juncea 29 26 June 30 Sept in water as predatory larvae feeding Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense 7 9 May 17 June on other invertebrates, tadpoles and Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata 30 9 May 4 Sept even small fish. After emerging from Black Darter Sympetrum danae 27 25 July 24 Oct the water most species only live for a Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum 25 25 July 30 Sept few weeks as a winged adult. Total 290 In Ireland there are 24 resident All species recorded at Cloonacleigha between 2010 and 2016, along with species of Odonata of which 19 have the total number of records per species and earliest and latest dates each been recorded in Co Sligo (Cotton, species has been recorded. 2016). There are a further eight Since 2010 I have been conducting Odonata. Damselflies are relatively migratory species that have been a survey for the Irish Butterfly dainty insects compared to recorded in Ireland, though none of Monitoring Scheme run by the dragonflies, which have more robust these have been found in Co Sligo to National Biodiversity Data Centre. bodies. Other differences include the date. The survey involves slowly walking fact that damselflies typically hold As mentioned earlier, recording along the same one-kilometre transect their wings alongside their body Odonata was not the primary purpose at Cloonacleigha every week from when at rest, whereas dragonflies of my visits to Cloonacleigha. April to October, and recording the usually hold their wings out at right- However, as I have a particular numbers of all butterfly species seen. angles to the body. Damselflies interest in Odonata, and as dragonflies I have taken the opportunity to note eyes are widely separated, while the and damselflies are large active other insects also, and this article will summarize my observations of dragonflies and damselflies over the period. Cloonacleigha is an area of heavily cut-over raised bog. There are many ditches and bog pools that provide an ideal breeding habitat for dragonflies and damselflies. The transect also touches on Cloonacleigha Lough, a shallow hard water lake, that adds diversity to the site. It also borders an area of plantation forestry where some of the larger dragonfly species can often be observed patrolling along the forest edge. Dragonflies (suborder Anisoptera) and damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) The Brown Hawker is a large dragonfly. Note the eyes which meet on top are members of the insect order of the head and the wings that are held open at rest.

70 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 insects I have been able to collect a considerable amount of records that are collated in the table accompanying this article. In all, I have collected 290 records of 12 species which indicates the site has a high diversity of Odonata species. It should be noted that in 2010 and 2011 I only made occasional records, whereas from 2012 to 2016 I made an effort to record all species that were identified. In the table I have also shown the earliest and latest date each species has been observed to give an idea of the flight period. I have found a pair of close-focusing The twelve species of dragonfly and damselfly found at Cloonacleigh. Top row (L-R): Emerald Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Variable Damselfly, binoculars to be an invaluable tool Common Blue Damselfly. when observing Odonata in the field. Middle row (L-R): Blue-tailed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly, Brown Two excellent field guides are those Hawker, Common Hawker. by Brooks, Cham and Lewington Bottom row (L-R): Hairy Dragonfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Black Darter, (2014) and Thompson and Nelson Common Darter. (2014). Many species can be easily observed in large numbers. It is a The Azure and Variable Damselfly identified if seen well, though some species of most freshwater habitats were more commonly found close require closer examination. Females and is considered a ubiquitous species to Cloonacleigha Lough whereas and immature males of certain species throughout Ireland. Care needs to be the Common Damselfly was found are best left undetermined unless taken when distinguishing between throughout the site. examined in the hand. For this reason Azure and Variable Damselfly and it is As the common name would suggest, it is best not to equate number of best to rely on a combination of field the blue of the Blue-tailed Damselfly records with abundance when looking marks in making a determination. (Ischnura elegans) is restricted to the at the data in the table. Furthermore, For this reason these species may tip of the abdomen, making is easy to a record may relate to one individual be under-represented in my data, distinguish from the previous species. being seen whereas other records may though it is certain they are present (There is another ‘blue-tailed’ species involve tens of individuals. in much smaller numbers than the found in Co. Sligo that will be detailed Often the first Odonata to be seen in Common Blue Damselfly, which also later in the article.) It is a generalist the year is the Large Red Damselfly has a somewhat longer flight season. species that is common at many sites (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) and my earliest record is 24 April, some 15 days earlier than for any other species. Being the only Irish damselfly with red colouring it is easily identified. Not surprisingly, as bog pools are one of its favoured habitats, this species was one of the species most frequently encountered throughout the site and it was often seen in great numbers. There were three predominantly blue species of damselfly recorded: Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum), Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella) and Variable Damselfly (C. pulchellum). The Common Blue Damselfly is the most distinctive of the three. It was also the Odonata species that was recorded most often (almost twice as often as The Common Blue Damselfly was by far the most commonly recorded any other species), and frequently species.

71 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 in Co Sligo so I am a little surprised it was not recorded more frequently in my data. The Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa) is the latest of the Irish damselfly species to appear each year and my earliest record is 26 June. The late record of 22 September was also considerably later than that of the other damselfly species. It is tolerant of the acidic water of bog pools so it is not surprising that it was regularly encountered throughout the site. The Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) is a highly territorial dragonfly that was often seen patrolling over bog pools or resting on plant stems. It was generally the most numerous dragonfly during early The Four-spotted Chaser, so named for the black spots that lie half-way along the leading edge of each wing. to mid-summer. Both the Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) and patrolling along the edge of the area Cotton in Co Sligo. It has subsequently the Black Darter (S. danae) typically of forestry and frequently several of been recorded at an additional six appear about a month later than the both species were recorded during a sites in Sligo and a number of other Four-spotted Chaser. The Black visit. locations across the northern half Darter is known as a late species and I In addition to the 12 species of Ireland, with the lakes of South recorded it as late as 24 October, which recorded at Cloonacleigha a further Leitrim being a particularly important is considerably beyond the late date seven species of Odonata are know area. This species is not found in for any other species. The Common from Co Sligo, and most have been Britain, and the Irish population is Darter is found in many habitats and is recorded in the Ballymote area. The of European importance. It has been widespread throughout Ireland, while Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx recorded at Boathole Lough near the Black Darter is primarily found on splendens) is a damselfly of slow- Drumfin. Both the Keeled Skimmer heathland and bogs, particularly in the moving streams and rivers and is (Orthetrum coerulescens) and Black- West. found at several sites along the tailed Skimmer (O. cancellatum) have The largest dragonflies in Ireland Owenmore River downstream from limited distributions in Co Sligo. The belong to the family Aeshnidae Cloonacleigha Lough. It can easily Keeled Skimmer is mostly found in and are known as hawkers. Three be observed below Templehouse boggy flushes in the Ox Mountains. members of the family are present Bridge during summer. The Scarce The Black-tailed Skimmer occurs in at Cloonacleigha, Brown Hawker Emerald Damselfly (Lestes dryas) the Ballysadare River catchment area (Aeshna grandis), Common Hawker is a rare damselfly of water bodies including around Ballygawley Lough. (A. juncea) and Hairy Dragonfly with fluctuating water levels, such as I have also found this species in large (Brachytron pratense). The earliest to turloughs, that has been recorded from numbers around limestone lakes at be on the wing is the Hairy Dragonfly three sites in Co Sligo. The Scarce Derreen Woods, Co Roscommon. which was recorded between 9 May Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura Finally, the Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum and 17 June. It was recorded seven pumilio) is another rare species and it sanguineum) is known from 12 times in all, with all sightings being of is often found in temporary artificial sites from Co Sligo including at a singles except on one occasion when ponds. An industrial site at Toberbride newly-created lake at Newpark near two were seen. The Common Hawker has been a reliable site for seeing Ballymote. looks quite similar, but that species this species in recent years. I have Although no rare or scarce species flies later in the year with only a short also recorded it in a wet area along occur at Cloonacleigha, the site does period when both species are likely to a bog track at Cloonshanville Bog hold a diverse Odonata population. be seen flying together. The Brown near Frenchpark, the only record for Some of the other species recorded Hawker has distinctive amber-tinted Co Roscommon. The Irish Damselfly elsewhere in Co Sligo may be found wings and is also a late flying species. (Coenagrion lunulatum) was only in future. Also, some species currently Both the Common Hawker and discovered for the first time in Ireland breeding in other parts of the country Brown Hawker were often observed in 1981 when it was recorded by Don have expanding ranges and this is

72 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 likely to be further facilitated in future Brooks S, S Cham and R Lewington Government, Dublin, Ireland. by climate change. Perhaps Migrant (2014), Field Guide to the Dragonflies & Nelson, B And R Thompson (2004), The Hawker (Aeshna mixta) might be Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Natural History of Ireland’s Dragonflies. a good bet for the next species to 5th edition. British Wildlife Publications. The National Museums and Galleries be found in the county. Although Cotton, D C F (2016) The Damselflies , . and Dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Thompson, R and B Nelson (2014), Cloonacleigha is a site that has Counties Sligo and Leitrim, Sligo Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies become degraded from an ecological Club Journal Vol 2 (109-135). of Ireland. National Museums Northern point of view, it is possible to enjoy Nelson, B, Ronayne, C & Thompson, R Ireland, Holywood. observing a variety of these beautiful (2011), Ireland Red List No 6: Damselflies and interesting insects at close & Dragonflies (Odonata). National Parks quarters. and Wildlife Service, Department of References the Environment, Heritage and Local

Cargo ship Margrete unloading at the Deepwater Berth in Sligo Harbour in the late 50s. Photo by Kevin P Murray 73 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 St John’s Cathedral, Sligo By Bernie Doyle

St John’s church stands quietly amid of Creation from a caption from the dead on the streets of Sligo’ during the its many and varied burial plots in Book of Job. Percy himself died outbreak of cholera circa 1832. John Street, Sligo. Designed in 1730 during WWI and later a memorial was The Methodist founder, John by the German architect Richard erected for him also. Wesley, paid many visits to Sligo. Cassels (who also designed Leinster The first half of theth 19 century On his first visit in 1758 he described House, the Rotunda, Powerscourt proved to be the zenith of what Seán the town as ‘a sink of iniquity.’ He and Cartron House in Leinster, and Ó Faoláin called ‘the best Protestant worshipped at least twice in St John’s. Hazelwood House in Sligo), it is the stock in all Ireland’ when many On the first visit he notes that he is the oldest building still in use in Sligo prominent families all worshipped in only person to stand for the Psalm, but town. Cassels built St John’s in the St John’s: the Gore-Booths of Lisadell, on his second visit everybody stood. traditional cruciform style, based Wynnes of Hazelwood, Coopers of on the old basilica pattern of the old Markree, Percevals of Templehouse, Becoming a Cathedral Roman forum, on the site of an older Griffiths of Ballytivnan, Holmes of St John’s was the Church of Ireland’s church. Sir Roger Jones, Governor of Oakfield, and Nicholsons of Primrose parish church in Sligo until 1961. 17th century Sligo, who died in 1637, Grange, together with the merchant Following the devastation of the built the first church on the site in families of Pollexfen, Middleton, Diocesan cathedral in Elphin, Co the early 1600s. Cassels had placed Campbell and Gorman. Roscommon in 1957, St John’s became the Jones tomb in the apse but, in Many generations of protestant the Diocesan Cathedral of Elphin and the 1812 alterations, the mensa was families are buried in St John’s Ardagh. The choir stalls were moved taken to the churchyard where it lay churchyard, including Susan Mary into the body of the church and the badly damaged for seventy years until Yeats who died in London in 1900. bishop’s throne or , together 1883, when it was placed in its present She was the eldest daughter of with the canons’ stalls, were built in position inside the church at the back William Pollexfen, and in September the chancel. The organ was moved of the nave. 1863 married John Butler Yeats in this some time later and placed in the The present building saw the changes church. They became the parents of south gallery, and a chapel was erected to Cassels’ plan when, in 1812, an William and Jack Butler Yeats. Near in the chancel. The gravestone of the oblong chancel was substituted for the pulpit is a brass tablet in memory 17th century philanthropic Bishop of the original apse and an extension to of Susan Yeats, and another brass Elphin, Bishop Hodson, was placed in create a new sanctuary. The original tablet in memory of her brother. A the west wall. round-ended Romanesque windows brass communion rail commemorates Several years’ work was undertaken were replaced by the Gothic pointed the Pollexfen grandparents. It is said in restoring the roof and adjoining windows. In 1883 more renovations that William Pollexfen in his old age lead work, and in internal renovation were undertaken to provide a new walked from his home every day to and decoration leading up to the vestry room and organ chamber – the supervise the building of his tomb in celebration of the 50th anniversary of present Mortimer Chapel, named after the churchyard. The tomb, low-walled the church’s upgrading to the status Dean Mortimer – built on either side with solid black chains, can be seen of cathedral in 2011. That year also of the chancel. from the west entrance to the church. the elevation of St. John’s Cathedral There are many memorials in the In the Thornley tomb, near the to a building of national importance church, both in stained glass and in west door, are buried Bram Stoker’s within the state. bronze plaques. The most unusual mother, Charlotte Mathilda Blake is the beautiful painting behind the Thornley, his brother who died aged Sources communion table, painted by Capt 14, and his maternal grandmother. It 2011 Church Anniversary Leaflet; Sligo – Percy Gethins in memory of his is said that on his visits to his mother, A signpost Tour (Bord Fáilte). brother, Ronald, who was killed in Bram Stoker got the inspiration for the Boer war. It expresses the joy Dracula from observing ‘the walking

74 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Loys and Ridges, Scythes and Flails By Micheál Murphy

an undug lea and leaving a central green strip (Photo 3) and a furrow (seoch) on each side. The overturned line of sods was known as a filibín. Some English landlords disparagingly called this method of cultivation ‘Lazy Beds’ because the soil under the sod remained undug. But many came to acknowledge that it was an effective and productive method, because weeds and grasses were covered over and their rotting remains helped to nourish the crop. Anyone who has worked a loy will testify that Photo 1 Relics of cultivation ridges the word ‘lazy’ used in this context is They did not have much peace or the loy, unlike a spade, has just one a misnomer. It has been estimated that pleasure footrest, either on the top left or on the it would take two experienced diggers Out on those rocky hills with loy and top right of the blade. At the back of more than a week to turn an acre of spade, the steel blade is a thickened heel of ground with a loy, even in the best of When, amongst the cold wind of wood which acts as a fulcrum to turn conditions. springtime, the sod (Photo 2). The handle or shaft A long-handled dibber (stíbhín) Those two-sod ridges they carefully is also longer than that of the spade (Photo 4) was used to bore a line made so as to provide extra leverage. In of holes about 12 inches apart in - Famine Ridges by Tom O’Hara some versions, the handle, heel and the upturned sods. This was called footrest are all fashioned from a single ‘sticking’. The job of ‘dibbling’ or piece of wood. In others, the handle inserting a potato slit (sceallán) Recently I happened across some is attached to the digging part by iron into each hole was usually done by photographs from a very successful rings. Basically, the loy was a poor children. Slitting the potatoes was Heritage Day organised by the local man’s plough. women’s work. They sometimes community in the village of Aclare, When cultivating untilled ground came together as a meitheal for that in south west Co Sligo, in 1994. for the first time, a ridge (iomaire) purpose. The potato was cut into as They reminded me of the above lines was made by turning two lines of many slits as there were eyes or buds, from Famine Ridges, taken from a sods, each about 12 inches wide, over and any unbudded sections (laogháin) collection of poems and verses entitled Branches Waving by local man, Tom O’Hara. Tom has a great capacity to recall and commit to paper a way of life long gone from rural Ireland. The tracks of cultivation ridges, referred to above, are a familiar sight especially in poorer upland areas of the west (Photo 1). In what was often a desperate effort to escape the ravages of potato blight, the people tried to reclaim the rocky hills and mountainsides. Their implement was a simple one, the Irish spade or loy (láí). Depending on which foot the operator favours when digging, Photo 2 A loy

75 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

now became the furrow. When cereals were grown, oats were the preferred crop. Up to the 1800s cereals were also cultivated on ridges, especially in low lying wet areas, but such ridges were usually twice or three times the width of potato ridges. When ripe, the corn was cut with a reaping hook or a sickle, a job often left to women. (The sickle was a more recent introduction and had a serrated edge which did not require sharpening). In the case of both the sickle and the hook it was usual to hold a fistful of corn blades in one hand while cutting with the other. This helped protect the seed head from falling off. A few bundles were tied together with some twisted stems to form sheaves and gathered into ‘stooks’ of ten or twelve sheaves, tied around the heads. In poor drying conditions they might be built again into larger hand-stacks called simidíní. A simidín held the equivalent of a horse-cart load. If the crop was grassy, sometimes four loose sheaves were Photo 3 Seamus O’Donnell surveys the filibín he has turned with a loy at placed standing against each other, Heritage Day in Aclare in August 1992. with a tying of twisted stems securing were saved to feed to pigs or chickens. quoted was, ‘a light labouring and a the tops. (Locally these were referred Finally the holes were closed with a heavy moulding’. to as gaitlins or germans). Oats dried little covering of soil, a process called Spraying with Bordeaux mixture, a more easily when stooked this way. ‘quenching’. (In some areas of south- solution of bluestone and lime, was west Sligo the process of sticking, carried out since Famine times to dibbling and quenching was also protect the crop from blight. Prior to referred to as ‘boring’, ‘pitching’ and the spraying machine a type of brush ‘blinding’). Farmyard manure was called a ‘besom’, fashioned from brought to the ridges using a donkey sprigs of heather tied together, was and specially adapted wicker creels used to apply the fungicide. called párdógaí. The donkey walked When the stalks had died back in along the furrow so that the creels September and October, the potatoes overhung the ridges. Their hinged were dug and stored in heaps about bottoms could be opened, allowing two feet wide by two feet high. Each the manure to fall onto the centre heap, known as a ‘pit’ was covered of the ridge where it was evenly with ‘scraws’ (scraith) or rushes and spread. When potato fertiliser became at least six inches of clay, which available, originally N:P:K = 4:4:8, a provided protection from the elements little was applied if funds allowed. and from vermin. As soon as possible afterwards, the During times of necessity the furrow was dug with the loy and the normal routine of crop rotation – soil shovelled loosely over the ridges potatoes-oats-grass – was abandoned to protect from frost, a process called and the same patch was used twice ‘labouring’. As the young stalks or three times over to grow potatoes. emerged the furrows were dug again, However each year, the sides of two and the stalks moulded with soil to adjacent ridges were levelled into ensure the new potatoes remained the furrow and earthed up so that the Photo 4 A potato dibber or stíbhín underground. A rule of thumb often centre of the previous year’s ridge with a forged steel tip

76 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

and tied down with hand-made straw ropes called súgáin. (Photo 6). Before the threshing machines, sheaves of oats were ‘scutched’, as required, by striking the head against a stone or a barrel, to provide feed for poultry and cattle. Since the straw was fed to cattle it was not necessary to remove all of the grain. The flail was a more effective implement for threshing. It consisted of a light handle (colpán), often made of hazel, attached by a leather thong to a stronger but shorter beater (buailtín), made from holly or ash. The joint had to be strong but flexible to allow the beater full rotation, and donkey leather was Photo 6 Brendan O’Hara and Photo 5 Jimmy Gavigan sharpens considered best for the thong (gad) Jimmy Gavigan fix a sugán around his scythe in preparation for which was secured in a groove cut the stack of oats cutting the oats crop at Heritage into the ends of the joined timbers. to separate the chaff completely by Day in Aclare in 1994 A wooden surface such as the upper a process called ‘winnowing’. The On drier ground, the field was dug floor of a granary was required when threshed grain was shaken slowly flat and the seed broadcast before using the flail but here the length from a container held high over a being covered in with a wooden or of the colpán and the buailtín was sheet spread on the ground in suitably a pin harrow, drawn by a donkey. limited by the height and width of the windy conditions. The heavier grain Sometimes a whitethorn bush was space. Oftentimes threshing with flails was collected on the sheet while the used as a harrow and this resulted in was carried on outdoors on a wooden lighter chaff was dispersed by the a finer tilth. A hand-sculpted stone platform and the flails could be then wind. roller was drawn over it to bed the much longer than those used indoors. Thinking back to those times seed in. The smooth surface enabled Teams of two or four men could recalls a time of self-sufficiency and harvesting by the scythe. The scythe also work in tandem. Synchronising neighbourly co-operation. It was a could cut must faster than the sickle, the strokes was achieved only with time where each family member was although the sickle continued in use constant practice but when well done involved in the work of the farm, where well into the 20th century, especially it was likened to the beat of a well nothing was wasted and every farmer for heavy crops. Originally, a scythe drilled marching band (Photo 7). was master of many crafts, not merely or speal consisted of a steel blade If the grain was required for milling, farming skills but those involved in attached to a straight wooden shaft at e.g. to make oaten meal or wholemeal making, repairing and recycling his a junction called the heel and secured for baking, or if the seed was to be own tools and equipment from the in place by a short piece of wire called used for sowing, then it was necessary raw materials that nature provided. a grass-nail. Two wooden handles, known as doirníní, were attached to the shaft for gripping (Photo 5). Maintaining a sharp edge on the blade was critical to its use and this was achieved with a scythe-stone made either of natural stone or of an abrasive material called carborundum. The sharpening of the scythe was a special craft as was the correct use of the scythe. To see a skilled scythe-man at work has been truthfully described as poetry in motion. In the haggard, the sheaves were built up into a stack, each containing about four horse-cart loads. The Photo 7 Seamus O’Donnell and Paddy Fleming demonstrate the method stacks were thatched with rushes of threshing with

77 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The Power of Language By Emer Ryan

Language connects us. has a responsibility to ensure not alone particularly in older individuals. But Whether spoken or written, it is our that the author’s meaning is conveyed brain injuries resulting in aphasia may primary means of communication. but also that the author’s voice will also arise from head trauma, from Beginning with our first words as be heard by the reader. Editors tend brain tumours, or from infections.’ All babies, our inner world unfolds as we to be invisible but the words will of this was news to me. I had heard of use language to reveal our needs, our be exposed in print and, nowadays, people’s speech being slurred by brain wants, and ultimately ourselves. Later, online. A chosen sequence of words injury, but never of people losing their we develop the art of using language has the power to elicit interest or language, be it the comprehension of to conceal ourselves. boredom, fear or comfort, tears or it or the expression of it. We learn to understand what people laughter. Very quickly I discovered the say and don’t say. The great American poet Robert reality of expressive aphasia. While Language locates us. Frost said: ‘Poetry is when an emotion understanding all that was said to him, The language I speak everyday was has found its thought and the thought my father initially could neither speak absorbed from my parents, my Sligo has found words.’ However, just as nor write his responses. Trapped mother and my Dublin father. From the chosen words and their order on within his own thoughts, he was no them I learned the phrases and idioms a page can transform plain prose to longer able to communicate his great that comprise my unique blend of beautiful poetry, they can also be interest in people or engage them in English. destructive. They can convey lies conversation. Over the following As a child, I loved stories. I as easily as truth. They can destroy months, he regained some of his eavesdropped on the grown-ups’ reputations. They can sway people’s speech but the was gone. He conversations, filling my inner world beliefs. They can cause emotional could no longer do crosswords. He with the rich language of my elders hurt and lead to physical pain. Let struggled with Scrabble, his wide and a cast of characters as real to me loose, they have a power of their own. and erudite vocabulary diminished as the selfish giant or the little prince This is more evident than ever in the to a trickle. It is a bitter irony that in the stories my father read to me. As current era of social media and cyber someone who loved language so I grew older, I inevitably became a bullying. much should have had to struggle to bookworm, never happier than when Long before the advent of emails find the simplest of words. buried in an imaginary world accessed or text messaging, let alone Twitter Following his passing in February through carefully chosen words. and Snapchat, I wrote lengthy letters 2016, words became a source of I was reared on word games — I to family and friends. Such letters comfort. There were the many Spy, hangman, consequences, making sustained me when I lived abroad cards with personal and thoughtful little words from big ones, and, always as a student, surrounded by an alien messages whose carefully chosen a favourite, Scrabble. Word Study, language. Often homesick, I rushed language had the power to lift me a now-recommended approach to each morning to the post-room to beyond the profound grief of losing teaching spelling, is based on learning collect my letters, poring over each my adored father. There were the kind about patterns and etymology rather and reading and re-reading it until words spoken by friends or colleagues than memorising random words. In its contents were imprinted on my who recognised the pain of loss and addition to learning how to spell, I brain, and passing some more time knew exactly what to say to show was also learning about the magic of completing the crosswords my mother that they cared. There were the poems language, about its variety and power, had cut out and enclosed with her I read that connected me to other about how different words and syntax dispatches. mourners, many themselves now can change a sentence, can transform ‘The limits of my language means long dead. Slowly I began to learn a the meaning. the limits of my world.’ (Ludwig new language, one that I share with Unwittingly my parents had been Wittgenstein) everyone who has ever lost a loved training me for my future career as an In September 2015, I learned a new one. editor, a profession in which language word from my father. Aphasia. He had As time went by, I grew conscious is central. Working behind the scenes suffered a major stroke, which left of another connection. Without with authors to make the most of him unable to express himself. thinking about it, I use so many of ideas, of plots, of layout and design, On its website, the National my father’s quirky expressions. I editors have a complex job that usually Aphasia Association of America sometimes say things and, realising includes restructuring sentences and defines aphasia as ‘an impairment of that I have responded exactly as he sometimes requires rewriting entire language, affecting the production would have done to a situation, I can books. However, always at its heart is or comprehension of speech and the hear his voice repeating what I have the language. Words are the building ability to read or write.’ It continues: just said. I tell his jokes and feel him blocks through which the ideas of the ‘Aphasia is always due to injury to the smiling back at me. author must be conveyed. The editor brain — most commonly from a stroke, Language connects us.

78 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Creevelea Abbey By Theresa Kelly

Creevelea Abbey in Dromahair, Co is recorded as the principal patron of further down.’3 The old mill produced Leitrim, was a Franciscan Friary a friary…’ Creevelea was ‘the last oatmeal. Reference to Dromahair in founded by Margaret O’Rourke and Observant foundation to be made… Slaters Directory of 1856 shows ‘that her husband Eoghan in 1508. It ‘was apart from their usual purpose the the trade in grain is very considerable; the last Monastery to be founded monks were also an important support an extensive corn and flour mill is the in Ireland before dissolution under to the community.’ 2 Margaret died in principal commercial establishment’. 4 Henry V11.’1 1512 and was interred in the Abbey. In 1933 local hotelier Paul Jeiters It is in the parish of Killenummery Eoghan died in 1528 and was also ‘converted the mill into a generating and Killery, which is an island interred there. No trace of their station, supplying Dromahair with parish of the diocese of Ardagh and tombstone can be seen today. Many electricity … he transformed the Clonmacnoise. We celebrate our other historical people were also premises into a sawmill and thriving faith with open-air Mass in Creevelea interred there. Among them were timber business.’ 5 Abbey each year when we gather for Bishop Healy and Conn O’Rourke, The Office of Public Works dawn mass on Easter Sunday morning a friar minor, who were hanged purchased the mill in 1980 and today at 6am. Standing there in the darkness, in Kilmallock in 1579. Both were they have their local offices and a craft in the same place where those friars of martyrs for their faith. In 1992 Bishop workshop there. An old grinding stone 16th century stood, I watch the sun rise Colm O’Reilly celebrated Mass there rests against the wall in their yard. and think to myself: This is the same to mark their beatification. In 1590 Sir Restorative work was done on sun that shone on them and lit the Richard Bingham stabled his horses Creevelea Abbey by the Office of way for them and here we are today in the Abbey. When the friars were Public Works in the 1990s as it was still singing and praising that same driven out, in the late 17th century, falling into disrepair. Beranger and God that they worshipped. It is a very they served their people while living Bigari in 1779 described it as ‘much in special place. I decided that I would in the hills. ruin, nothing remains of the cloisters like to honour the who The river separates the diocese … the aria which we supposed to brought their community to Dromahair of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise from contain them being covered with by researching and documenting my Kilmore, the village of Dromahair grass … there were some good stone report on Creevelea Abbey. being in Kilmore. windows’ The Abbey ruins are located on a The friars had a mill just across the The entrance to this beautiful site hill beside the village of Dromahair. river which later became a corn mill is through a turn-style entrance to It is called Creevelea, from Craobh in the early 19th century. Dúnta Uí the left of the main gate, which has a Liath meaning the ‘grey branch’, Ruairc mentions the mill: ‘The river padlock on it. Wheelchair users could probably because the friars wore grey Boned (Bonet), which turned the old call to the caretaker up the road to habits. It is said to be built on the site Franciscan mill, still works a corn mill get the gate open but then they would where Saint Patrick built a church in 440. ‘The monastery of the town of O’Rourke, which is called Carrick Patrick, in Connaught, in the diocese of Ardagh’ is referred to in The Annals of the Four Masters. It is close to the shores of the river Bonet which flows into . The remains of the Abbey stand tall and proud you approach it from the south east by a walkway that goes down along the banks of the river from the village. ‘Creevelea is the most complete and striking piece of medieval architecture in the county’, according to the Archaeological Inventory of County Leitrim. Ó Clabaigh tells us that ‘this is the only instance in which a woman

79 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 only get access to the church which consists of nave chancel and transept. There are lots of small doors and steps to other parts of the Abbey. There are graves in every section of it so it is a place of reverence. The Abbey is similar in plan to Sligo Abbey, in that the cloisters are in centre. The church is to the south and the other buildings are to the north, protecting them from the cold north winds. ‘Creevelea has the conventual buildings at the north side – a decided of this is found today but on the north- signposted first right turn. There is departure from the usual monastic western exit from cloisters there is a lots of parking space. Why not take style, which placed them in the south, room with the remains of a garderobe. a drive there and see for yourself this thus sheltering them by the church This would have been accessible from amazing site? from the cold north wind and securing the dormitories above. -- for them the grateful heat and cheerful Along the north of the structure is An introduction to the Architectural brightness of the sun.’6 the refectory which has five windows Heritage of County Leitrim, Government The nave is entered from the west including a reader window, where of Ireland, 2004, p9 2 gate through a pointed doorway with a preacher spoke as they ate. The Ó Clabaigh, Colmán OSB, The carved tendrils at the terminals. Above dormitories were above this room Franciscans in Ireland 1400–1534, Four this is a twin light tracery window. and part of the stairs leading to them Courts Press, 2002, p60 3 Fenessy, Fr, Franciscan Archives, The apex of this window inclines to is still intact. There are still partial Killiney cited in Dúnta Uí Ruairc, the left. Locally it’s said to symbolise remains of what’s thought to be the O’Rourke Stronghold of West Breifne, the head of Christ on the cross leaning kitchen and food preparation area. Sligo Champion p12 to the side! One room was vaulted and part of this 4 A Signposted walking tour of Dromahair, The nave has two round arches in is still intact. Another room has the p4 the south wall that lead to the transept remains of a handmill that was used 5 A Signposted walking tour of Dromahair, and the tower is over the east wall. to grind corn. p4 There are a number of decorated Creevelea is a most interesting 6 JE MacKenna, The Franciscan Friary terminals on the arch of the tower. piece of our history and heritage and of Creevelea in the Barony of Breffny, The east wall of the choir has a large we are blessed that it is in such good Co Leitrim (File no 64 in Library HQ four-light tracery window. The south condition. People still bury their dead ) 29 April 2015 wall has four twin-light windows. In here. It is in an ideal location for 7 Tadhg O’Keefe, Medieval Ireland: An the corner near the east window is the visitors whether on foot, taking the Archaeology, Tempus Publishing, 2000, piscina. p155 signposted pathway from the village, 8 The transept has several recesses or by road, taking the R287 towards Appendix (E) to Eighty second report of the (1913-14) Commissioners of Public and a large pointed window without and then taking the Works in Ireland p62-63 tracery. In the recesses are two windows, both with an altar inside them. The cloisters can be accessed from the nave and choir. Some of the pillars are missing but several still survive. On the opposite side of the cloister are pillars with carvings of St Francis and friars preaching. O’Keefe tells us that cloister ambulatories rarely had lean-to roofs, Creevelea being one of the exceptions. 7 There are two rooms east of the cloister which were the sacristy, dayroom and chapterhouse, which have a fireplace. The next room north of this was again possibly a dayroom with a ‘sanitary annex… with a garderobe in the north wall.’ 8 No trace

80 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 The Sligo Field Club Jounal, Volume 2, 2016

By Neal Farry

Several significant elements of the context of a wider distribution of ring- seemed to be cremated remains and policy of The Sligo Field Club Journal cairns in Ireland, Wales and Scotland. a rude necklace of beads. Some were are outlined in the editorial at the Thirty ring-cairns have been identified of a ‘partially petrified substance than commencement of Volume Two. This in Ireland. Sligo contains three such of actual stone’. In a communication policy emphasises the necessity to cairns – Edenreagh, Shroove near with the Royal Society of Antiquaries provide a ‘published platform for local Monasteraden, and a possibly one at of Ireland, Rev Cosgrave describes people with an interest or expertise in Streedagh. the excavation he had carried out a particular aspect of Sligo’s history When discussing the Bunduff four- on the Carnaweeleen cairn. He or archaeology, who might not have poster, Martin A Timoney reproduces informed his RSAI associate that he been published previously, thereby Wood-Martin’s 1888 illustration that was sending a bead and two human forming a link between past, present displays three stones of the monument. teeth to that Merrion Square Society. and future generations of Sligo Field Our 2017 archaeologist’s photograph The RSAI subsequently donated the Club members and preserving a record of the Bunduff monument shows just Carnaweeleen artefact to the National of Field Club activities and findings two of the stones in situ. It seems that Museum of Ireland. which might otherwise be ephemeral.’ one could be buried or could have been Sam and Johanna have studied Between Wendy Lyons’ Presidential removed for some functional purpose. a more comprehensive complex Preface and Jim Foran’s Editorial Furthermore Martin is inclined to the of sites in the vicinity of Cairn R and the concluding Obituary, 19 view that an oval sand dune, also at at Carnaweeleen. They discuss outstanding writers enlighten us with Edenreagh, is a barrow, i.e. another the similarities with the nearby the benefit of their expertise through archaeological site. Carrowkeel-Bricklieve monuments, meticulous research and clarity. Donna Gilligan investigates the particularly with regards to the bead Martin A Timoney furnishes an journey of a polished stone Axehead assemblage. Differences are also initial record of the Moffitt’s Burrow, from its place of discovery on the noted and the authors justifiably Edenreagh, Ring-cairn site site of the mythological Moytura speculate that the secondary deposit that he first visited in 1975, followed Battlefieldin south east Co Sligo to its of cremated bone at the Carnaweeleen by two further short articles dealing present base in the National Museum cairn, along with the two human teeth with a Four-Poster in Bunduff, 5km of Ireland collection. This artefact was in the museum, offer the possibility to the east, and a possible Barrow donated by Peter Foy to Sir William of obtaining radiocarbon dates in the adjacent to the ring-cairn. The reader Wilde (Oscar’s father), Vice-President future. will be profoundly impressed by of the Royal Irish Academy, in 1868. The study of the grave under a tree Bridget Timoney’s sketch-plan of The Moytura axehead demonstrates at Cloonmacduff, Markree Estate, the Edenreagh ring-cairn that clearly how 19th century scholars attempted Collooney, of a 12th century young delineates the cairn and the most to connect archaeological remains man, aged 18 to 20 years, who had evident features of this Bronze Age with mythological beliefs. Donna suffered a violent death by stabbing, site. Martin follows up the sketch- Gilligan adopts a more modern makes fascinating reading. Marion plan with a precise, objective and scientific approach to establish a more Dowd and Linda G Lynch provide descriptive analysis of the monument. plausible, practical explanation for the 11 photographs, drawings, maps and He notes the probable interference axehead’s existence. charts to add further lucidity to their with the site in 1978 by some people Sam Moore and Johanna Callaghan already highly-informative text. The who mistakenly believed that this examine the story of Rev. Constantine beech tree had fallen over in a storm location was the burial ground of Cosgrave P.P. of Drumrat and in 2015 and the upper portion of the Spanish Armada casualties in 1588. Toomour (nowadays Keash and skeleton was exposed, tangled in the After consulting Frances Lynch, a Culfadda), who excavated a passage root system of the tree. After a rescue Welsh archaeologist and an expert tomb at Carnaweeleen on the north- excavation on behalf of the National in the area of ring-cairns or ‘Variant eastern slope of Keash Hill in 1855 or Monuments Service, it was established Circles’, Martin places this site in the 1856. Rev Cosgrave discovered what that the youth had been approximately

81 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

5 feet 10½ inches tall. The beech tree over the grave had been planted 215 years ago. The osteo-archaeological analysis of the remains reveals a great amount of detail about the man’s health, work practices, diet and the manner of his death. A lot of evidence points to the fact that he was probably stabbed while he was unarmed and vainly defending himself against the fatal blade with an upraised arm. Marion and Linda demonstrate that substantial evidence exists for an early medieval settlement with a church in the Cloonmacduff area where the young man’s grave was later entwined in the roots of a tree. ‘The Location of the Historical Pic 1: A view of Ballisodare Station towards Collooney, 7 May 1957. Photograph by TB Owen / Colour Rail. Place-name “Bradcullen” and its Meaning’ is the title of a study the port of Dublin is threatened by not in Ireland made salt production where Conchubhar Ó Crualaoich Brexit, Patrick E. O’Brien reminds economical in Sligo. However the examines the various historical forms us that during the 18th century Sligo British salt duties were removed in of the now-obsolete place-name merchants frequently sailed with their 1825 and immediately the Sligo salt Bradcullen which was very prominent cargoes from their local port of Sligo industry collapsed. The provision in historical written sources from to Bristol, Nantes, Bordeaux, Livorno of 18 maps, charts and photographs, 1536 until 1836. Conchubhar proves in Italy, Madeira, Bruges, Oporto, enhances the enjoyment of this with conviction that Bradcullen was Alicante, Lisbon, Setubal, Cadiz, excellent contribution. located in the environs of what is now Malaga, the West Indies and the Martin A Timoney, in collaboration called Castletown in the northwest American Colonies. Salted beef, pork, with Fiona Gallagher, author of The of the townland of Cartronmore on herrings, hides and butter provisions Streets of Sligo, after much high- the bounds of Urlar and Cullagh from Ireland were highly regarded. viz. jacket, sub-pavement and sub- Beg near . He is adamant Irish corned beef had a reputation for thoroughfare archaeology through that historical forms of Bradcullen being meticulously boned and salted, Sligo’s streets, have unlocked the reflect ultimate derivation from and was valued for not spoiling on secrets of Robert Young’s 1861 map Bráid Choillí, ‘the neck, gorge of/ long sea voyages to the West Indies. of Sligo that hung above the public at (the) area abounding in woods’ Herring catches from Sligo were cured counter in the Stephen Street Branch or ‘the gorge of the little wood’. on the coast with salt made on the of the Ulster Bank in Sligo for many Appendix 1 demonstrates the effect shore of our own county and regularly years. In 2016 Martin was monitoring of Anglicisation in the area over the shipped from Sligo to Liverpool. The the enhancement of Sligo’s streetscape 300-year period on which it reports. vessels returning to Sligo transported on behalf of Sligo County Council It is worthy of note that the pass of wine, fruit, tobacco, bay salt, fish, with a particular interest in the Bradcullen was the point on the route tallow and hides. culverts that are known to exist under or bealach between Connacht and Pat O’Brien has surveyed the Salt many streets. Initially it was believed where O’Connor Sligo Works Around Sligo Bay that were that the lines on Robert Young’s map and his allies, the O’Harts, frequently producing the vital supplies of salt, could have been a comprehensive plan challenged the southward advances by processing finer salt from lesser- of a system of culverts. However, a of the O’Donnells and their allies. quality salt and from rock salt, and contradiction was discovered between The Down Survey maps of Drumcliff also by evaporation of seawater. He the line on the 1861 map and the actual (1654 - 1657), displaying two has surveyed Mullaghmore Saltworks, location of the culverts on Harmony medieval roads with serrated lines, are Martin’s Saltpans on Sligo Quays, Hill. Eventually excavation in Wine interesting to peruse. Streamstown Saltpans and Saltport in Street led the Council workers, In an era when the modus operandi Ballysadare Bay, Milk Harbour near Martin and Fiona to the site of the of the ‘roll-on roll-off’ flux of Irish Moneygold, Grange and Coolbeg Dunne’s Store small car-park where and other EU container trucks Saltpans, Drumcliff. The imposition Sligo Gasworks had been located passing through Calais, Dover and of salt taxes in Great Britain but from 1839 to 1962. Eventually it was 82 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 confirmed that Robert Young’s map Collooney with an account of the years in Sligo Town. of Sligo displayed the gas network opening of the Collooney-Claremorris Some of the less frequent visitors of the town. We are also informed Railway in 1895 that emanated from include the Iceland Gulls, the that by 1890 Sligo town had seven Irish Chief Secretary Balfour’s Glaucous Gull, the Ring-billed miles of gas mains with 405 private policy to ‘Kill Irish Home Rule with Gull and the Mediterranean Gull, consumers. The network served the Kindness’. This line linked Sligo who migrate to Sligo from Iceland, entire town except the Gaol and Old ultimately with Cork. Train services Greenland, Canada and the Black Sea. Market Street. Holborn Hill, Gallows on the line were discontinued in 1963. Michael is delighted to record the fact Hill and the Mail Coach Road were The inclusion of 43 illustrations, that there is a greater understanding also not included in the network most of them in colour, is extremely and awareness of gull identification because these locations were too high informative. The two plans of the among bird watchers and that the Irish in relation to the gasometer and gas Collooney railways with their Rare Birds Committee is rigorous with pressure was too low. junctions and stations further clarify regard to accuracy when ruling on The Coming of the Railways what was indeed a complex confluence reports and photographs of sightings. to Collooney and Ballisodare by of rail traffic. While the overwhelming details Peter Bowen Walsh makes gripping In his article Gulls of Sligo Town, in Dr Don C F Cotton’s feature, The reading. The expansion of the network Michael Bell highlights the more Damselflies and Dragonflies of in Ireland’s north-west is reminiscent common species as well as some of Counties Sligo and Leitrim, could of the railway development in the the rarer visitors that occur. Among initially repel the reader, the fact western frontier of the United States the common species he notes the that these Odonata have existed in that was proceeding at the same time. Black-headed Gulls that have been this region for at least 325 million Peter’s presentation of the advent of sighted in Sligo but were ringed as years, as proven by their image our railways is a dramatic and exciting far away as Finland and Lithuania. discovery in fossils in our local historical narrative. We observe Gull visitors to Sligo town include Upper Carboniferous rocks from intensive lobbying and rivalry between the Common Gull, the Herring Gull that period, speedily induces us to ambitious investors. His description and the Lesser Black-headed Gull, continue reading. It is also believed of the vast army of labourers, skilled all of whom colonise Inishmurray. that these Odonata were among the masons and ingenious engineers The latter Gull winters in North- first creatures on earth to fly. Don carrying out the work is acutely west Africa. Local bird watchers draws our attention to ten species of absorbing. The fortuitous location of have established a relationship with Damselflies and nine Dragonflies Ballisodare port for the importation of a Common Gull nicknamed ‘Tarfie’ that breed in Co. Sligo. Leitrim has metal from Wales and sleeper timber because it was ringed in 1997 as a 17 breeding species. His accounts from Lithuania has been vividly nestling at Loch Tarf in Scotland and for the Sligo species are summarised emphasised. The construction of has being observed for 19 consecutive under six bullet points: identification, noble bridges using techniques from Roman times and solemn cut-stone train stations has bequeathed us a valuable architectural legacy. The Midland Great Western - Sligo line took four years to construct and it opened on 3 December 1862. It was a line of gentle curves and easy gradients. In 1882 the Sligo-Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway between Collooney and Enniskillen was opened. Peter stresses the fact that this line was built as cheaply as possible, resulting in sharp curves, steep gradients, numerous level crossings and very few bridges. The SLNC station in Collooney was a corrugated building and the line to Enniskillen Pic 2: Carnaweeleen passage tomb on the north east slope of Keash Hill. closed in 1957. Photograph by Sam Moore. Peter continues the story of Images reproduced with kind permission of SFCJ. 83 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 distribution, abundance, season, abandoned upper millstone cut down Gertie McHale, 1922 – 2016 habitat and conservation. The detailed to quern size. The millstone could be is deservedly honoured with a descriptions of every species of from the old mill on the Bunduff River biographical personal tribute from Odonata that have been observed that had ceased operations during the Dr Nollaig ó Muraille. In the course in the 600 ponds and lakes of 19th century. of the obituary we are informed Sligo and Leitrim are further made Marion Dowd’s brief study of the that Gertie was born in Ballina and manifest with 22 colour photographs Polldingdong (Polldownin) Cave in worked as a distinguished journalist that demonstrate the extraordinary Magurk townland near Dromahair for the Irish Times and the Western diversity and beauty that nature and Lough Gill, accentuates the People. After settling in , provides close to our homes. It is singular antiquity of living creatures Gertie became the guiding light in the interesting to note that Michael in Ireland. The 100m subterranean MacFirbis Committee which led to Bell has recorded 611 Odonata passage was investigated by two the inauguration of the annual Eigse sightings. Half of these records experiences cavers, McShea and Mhic Fhirbisigh weekend of history. are from Cloonacleigha Lake near McShea, in 1967, and they found Gertie published two books sketching Ballymote. The author concedes that evidence of a bear skeleton that had the rich history of Tireragh – Stories all wetland sites cannot be protected, died while hibernating in the cave from O Dowda’s Country and The O but in deciding which ones to select, almost 6,500 years ago. In 1896 a Mr Dowda of Castleconor, Chieftain of information on the range of species, Jameson noted the presence of bones Tireragh. and the rarity of species present, can be of sheep, cattle, dog and horse in the The life and career of Michael used to help make informed decisions. cave. Part of a human skeleton was Herity, Emeritus Associate Professor The interested reader should also see also discovered. of Archaeology, UCD, 1929 – 2016, Michael Bell’s article in this edition of The three photographs submitted by are celebrated with an obituary The Corran Herald. Anne McManus and Mary Henry and penned by Martin A Timoney. A Ian Kennedy, a recent event the textual elaborations supplied by native of Ballintra, Co Donegal, manager of the Yeats International Martin A Timoney afford us a unique Michael was the son of a Streedagh Summer School, offers an inspiring insight into the commercial life of 19th father and a Mohill mother. Michael’s Lived and Living History of Sligo’s and 20th century Wine Street in Sligo. work was carried on throughout renowned cultural gathering from The photos display the Sligo Gas the country and he had a particular 1960 to 2010. Ian recalls that the Yeats Company, The Western Wholesale interest in megalithic tombs. He Summer School developed from the Delph Store and the Pollexfen excavated a number of the hut sites An Tostal Festival of 1958, and he Building. on Knocknashee Mountain near the outlines the role played by Professor Joe Meehan’s account of the Lough Talt Gap. His publication TR Henn, St Catherine’s College, surprise acquisition of The and Carnfree Celtic Cambridge, during the formative Hawkswell Theatre Site prior to its Royal Sites in Roscommon bestowed years of the School. Henn believed construction and its opening night in well-merited recognition on that that the best way to immortalise January 1982, must surely be a source area. With regard to Carrowmore in Yeats would be in a summer school, of inspiration for everyone interested Sligo Michael represented the Royal ‘a joint international co-operating and in the development of social, cultural Society of Antiquaries of Ireland living thing that draws into itself the and sporting facilities. Tom Palmer, in the High Court. He said that he lifeblood of poetry’. The professor Harry Johnson, Dermot McDermott considered Carrowmore as being further stressed that the school had and Liam McKinney had spent almost one of the prime sites in Ireland for a not been aligned to any university but a decade vigorously pursuing suitable National Archaeological Park and that was organised locally in Sligo. Other sites, all in the gift of public bodies, a landfill in the quarry would be most academics were delighted to observe but to no avail. While they coveted the inappropriate. the inclusive character of the school, Old Rectory Garden, then the property Sligo Field Club Journal, Vol. which had seen members of all social of the Catholic Diocese of Elphin, 2, 2016, runs to 170 interesting and classes participate as students. they held out little hope, in view of the informative pages and contains 170 The mystery of the Watters Family, fact that the Church was not known to illustrations that supplement and Castlegal, Quernstone was solved cede property, and definitely not for highlight the captivating topics in after investigation by Martin A frivolous purposes outside its control. every feature. The Journal represents Timoney, Leo Leyden and Dr Seamus Liam McKinney insisted, ‘Why very good value at €20. Copies are Caulfield. Seamus recognised that not?’ To their great surprise the new still available in bookshops in Sligo the four rynslots or bridge slots on Bishop, Dr Conway, readily agreed to or locally from Martin A Timoney, the underside of the 48cm diameter make a site available on production of Keash. quernstone identified the stone as an a viable plan. 84 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Time and tide By Bernie Gilbride

Recently in Sligo town not far from the port and quays gave much-needed are now gone. These big stores are quays I was surprised to hear someone employment. Dockers were needed being franchised out in sections and call my name, and more surprised still to load and unload the boats, carters leased to new shopkeepers. It’s a new when it turned out to be an old friend I to bring the goods from the quays to way of life, very different to the old had not seen in many years. the merchants or their warehouses. shops where everybody was known ‘I couldn’t believe my eyes when Horses and carts were the means of personally, with their custom much you pulled in!’ Patsy said. ‘I was transport. appreciated by the owner. wondering if I would meet anyone I Once emptied, the boats were I rested on the low wall of the knew all those years ago, or if any of cleaned and repaired if necessary, quay, and when I closed my eyes and them were still in Sligo and hey presto made ready for the return journey. let my mind drift I could hear again you drive in almost beside me.’ Ships’ chandlers supplied them with the shouts of the stevedores and He was home for a few weeks he all their requirements: meat, bacon, their supervisors as they directed the said, and was in town to get things for food of all sort, drink, fresh fruit, emptying and filling of the holds of the farm. ‘I have been walking around clothing, fuel, medical requirements the boats, the rattle of cartwheels over for the last half-hour and this end of and much else, all the million-and-one stoney roads, the neighing of horses town is hardly recognisable,’ Patsy things necessary for survival at sea. and the background noise of whatever said. ‘Do you remember all the noise Along the quays were many animals were awaiting export: the and the smells, horses and carts and businesses: Denny’s bacon factory, mooing of cattle unhappy at being especially the boats along the quays? the O’Connor Bros bottling plant, cooped up, the screeching of pigs Not much noise and not a boat in sight iron works, carpentry workshops, and the plaintive bleats of sheep. The today.’ shop fitter workshops, DM Hanley, timeline of sailing was so important ‘Of course I remember, and I Builders’ Providers, a meat factory then, always guided by the tides. remember too the day you got up on near the North Wall, large warehouses Some owners of the ships that came a cart, took the reins and off the horse belonging to the big merchants in the to Sligo port lived in the town and trotted!’ I answered. ‘The carter was town like Meldrums, Woods, The were known to watch for their ships’ out of the shed in a flash, roaring and Wood and Iron, Western Wholesale, arrival and departure from special shouting, threatening to warm your Gallagher and Kells. It was a busy roof turrets, one of which can still be legs with his whip if your Dad didn’t. place indeed. The port was run by the seen over a large store on the southern Luckily the horse was no racehorse, harbourmaster and committee. It was side of Wine Street. he just trotted off sedately and was kept dredged and clean to allow the Many of the ships took passengers easily caught.’ passage of boats up and down, even too, to , Belfast, Glasgow, We chatted for a few minutes longer at low tide. Each boat had to pick up Liverpool, some on their way and arranged to meet for a drink the a ‘bosun’ or pilot at Raughly Point to to America, Australia, and even following evening, to catch up on guide the boat in and out. The wages further abroad. The quays were very each other’s news. Patsy was reared paid to this large work force made important to the business and social in Church Street, not far from me. Sligo a relatively prosperous place, life of the town. We often played together in the old supporting the many large retailers in What changes the years have Market Yard, being chased home by the town. The quays played a major brought. I wonder what the men who, the caretaker on many an occasion. part in the town and county. centuries ago, had seen the potential of Sligo was a busy port back then, With the coming of the railways, the Garavogue river with its estuary, a boon to the town, used to export goods were transported by rail and and had laid the foundation for the local produce – cattle, pigs, sheep, imports came on much larger ships. development of the present quays, farm produce like butter and eggs, The quays, like the horse and cart, would make of it now. Time seems and more. It was also used to import gradually became redundant, except to have overtaken it. I hope some most of the needs of the town not for the boats still bringing in coal, enterprising person will look at the available at home – wine, tobacco, oil, and timber. The old warehouses river and quays as they are now and wheat, timber, hardware goods, cloth, have been replaced with more modern come up with a worthwhile project to clothes, and coal, among other things. retailing premises, bringing an end to make full use again of this wonderful Coal was piled high in open yards the many small family-run businesses. facility right in the heart of the town. on the quays. It was the principle With the advent of the supermarket It would be lovely to see it busy again source of heating for most homes and smaller shops are vanishing, whole even in a different way. offices. Oil was imported and stored streets becoming offices and in large vats near the quays. The apartments. Many of the old merchants

85 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 Kilross Civil Parish in 1749: A microcosm of 18th-century Sligo?

By Pat O’Brien

By 1749 Ireland had experienced Joshua Cooper married Alicia Synge, a period of relative peace. Transfer only surviving daughter of Dr Edward of lands had been extensive in Co Synge of Elphin in 1758, some of Sligo. With two exceptions (the her marriage settlement was from the heirs Turlough MacDonnchada in rentals of six of Kilross. the Tirerrill townland of Creevagh (Fig 2) and Baron Taaffe of Ballymote), all Census of Elphin 1749 landowners in Sligo were Protestant. Dr Edward Synge, , New landowners consolidated their had been translated to the bishopric possessions and, with the , of Elphin on 15 May 1740. A man the threat of a Gaelic resurgence of moderate opinion by this time, and subsequent repossession was he was critical ‘of those parts of the receding. The occasional threats of penal laws … whose effect had been Stuart pretenders collapsed in 1745 Fig 1 - Baronies of Sligo and to invade Roman Catholics’ liberty with the defeat of Prince Charles at Kilross parish of conscience’. In 1749 he ordered a Culloden. years was given to Thady and James Background Carbara. Otherwise, tenants would Kilross, a civil parish of 3,931.7 acres have been ‘tenants at will’ or have and 15 townlands, lies in the eastern been sub-tenants. Neither Ballygrania Sligo barony of Tirerrill. Three nor Lavinscartron had resident Table 1 families owned most of its lands in the farmers in 1749 – the sole resident th early 18 century: Burton of Carlow, of Ballygrania was a herd, and those census of the diocese of Elphin, listing who had bought part of the Sligo estate lands undoubtedly were leased or sub- the parishes, townlands, professions, 1 of Strafford and Radcliffe; Cooper of let to graziers. The rentals of some religious denomination , and numbers Markree who in 1727 bought some lands provided specific incomes, e.g. of children and servants of each of the lands accumulated by Richard pensions for widows of gentlemen householder. Coote following the Cromwellian and marriage settlements. When Using the corrected tally of the wars; and Crofton of Longford House, census enumerator the population near Ballysadare, an Elizabethan stood at 509, living in 116 households. family which bought lands from The changes of populations from the O’Dowd and McSweeney 1659 to 1901 show the impact of families in 1615. Another, the improvement from 1659 to the Percivals of Templehouse, inherited explosion of population up to 1841, Kilross townland and Tully Beg, and the subsequent disastrous having married a Crofton heiress of reduction to that of 1901. In the 1749- Templehouse. (Fig 1) 1901 periods the population had Several Protestant farmers of Kilross grown and waned to within 10% of parish in 1749 had large farms, some its origins of 1749. Between 1659 and extending to townlands. Until their 1749 it grew by a cumulative average repeal in 1778, laws of the reigns of of 0.55% per year with interruptions Queen Anne and George III excluded during the Jacobite wars and almost Catholics from leases of more than 31 certainly during the Arctic winter of years. To date no leases to Catholics 1740 when countrywide, between in Kilross have been identified earlier 13% and 20% of the population died. than 1823, when a lease of 5a. 3r. Fig 2 - Townlands of Kilross Civil Charles O’Hara (1705-1776) of in Doonamurray for one life or 21 Parish Annaghmore in his survey of the

86 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 economic development of Co Sligo recorded in the Hearth Money Rolls of Lyndsay, Nicholson, Ormsby, in the 18th century recorded that crops the 1660s, four alone survived in 1749. Phibbs and Reed. Four Protestant were lost in the autumn of 1744 due to The most notable was the O’Carhey households had Gaelic derived storm damage, a snowfall lasted from of becoming Carthy and names: the Protestant Conboy and January to March of 1745, and ‘a great Carty, occupying three households Donoghy, obviously derived from number of the inhabitants perished; in Ballydawley and Castledargan and the Gaelic names Ó Conbhuidhe and many went off’. The number of houses still occupying some of those lands. Donnchadha (the former originating in Co Sligo reduced from c. 6,000 to (Fig 3) in west Sligo and the latter a possible c. 4,000 between 1744 and 1746. The 1749 Gaelic names are Ulster variant of MacDonagh), The impact of these disasters may be remarkable for the extensive absence together with those of Oliver Farrel, found in the phrase that O’Hara used of the ‘Ó’ and ‘Mac’ prefixes, the an ale seller of Kilross, and Humphrey on many occasions, ‘many went off”, exceptions being the families of Kilmer2, a farmer of Castledargan. reflecting the historic tendency of McAuly, O’Connor, McConboy, Kilross was the most Protestant people with no great stake in property McHenry and McHugh. A miniscule parish in Tirerrill, with 24.3% of to migrate. 6% of Gaelic family names in Kilross households being Protestant. Tirerrill Family names were major indicators had ‘Ó’ or ‘Mac’ prefixes. The had 13.7%, ranging from 5.2% in of change for the Gaelic Irish. The list process had been developing as early Kilmactranny in the south to the 24.3% included 88 Catholic families with 60 as the 1660s – e.g. of the 30 literary of Kilross at its north. Sligo town names and 28 Protestant families with Ó hUigín families in Co Sligo, none had 45.9% of Protestant households. 18 (Table II). Of the 13 Kilross names bore the prefix ‘Ó’ and 18 had adopted the English ‘Higgins’. The Gaelic family names of 1749 further reflected the progressive anglicising of surnames as recorded by English-speaking officials. While Table 3 many family names of the 1660s phonetically reflected the Gaelic (Table III) Fig 3 - Census of Elphin 1749, sample page copy names, e.g. Beolane, McBrehoone, Following the influx of Scottish and O’Cahussy, O’Gallchure, O’Floyne, English civilian and military settlers modern usage was being reinforced up to the mid-17th century, Sligo had by 1749. Further, some may have had an influx of Protestants, probably been the result of pseudo-translation; both Anglican and Presbyterian from ‘Grey’ for Mac Cathail Riabhaigh or Ulster, and, as O’Hara recounted, incorrectly ‘Oates’ for MacOirc or Ó ‘new settlers from the north’ due to Cuirc. The family name of Dominick increased trade contact or possibly and John Wamny of Ballydawley may invited migration. Sufficient have been the result of a considerable Presbyterians were residing in Sligo to evolution from an original Mac justify the ordination of Rev Samuel Meanma. Henry to the congregation of Sligo and For a parish that was part of Ballina in May 1695. No distinction is two powerful comhroinn of the made between the different Protestant of Tirerrill it is notable denominations in the census of 1749. that no McDonaghs remained in Being at a distance from Dublin and Kilross. This great family had indeed further isolated by an unimproved ‘gone beyond the seas’, though the Donaghy and Donoghoo family names may possibly have been variants of either the Sligo or Ulster MacDonnchadha. Fifty-three per cent of the Kilross Protestant family names had been recorded in county Sligo in the 1660s, paying Hearth Tax or recorded as tituladoes, e.g. Armstrong, Carter, Table 2 Table 4

87 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 road network, Sligo had a wide range half-starving inhabitants within. no farmer occupants in Clooneenroe, of trades to support its economy. Of the eight brogue-makers in Kilross, Knockatober and Ballygrania, Compared to Sligo town with its more Tirerrill, two lived in Kilross parish: in which townlands five of the eight exotic mix of apothecaries, chandlers, Dominic Wamny of Ballydawley worked, probably for graziers. Their glovers, hatters, mantua-maker, and John Linnane of Castledargan. employment would have been variable quilter and snuffmaker, Kilross A further 18 in Sligo town and four due to changing requirement for cattle had the more usual occupations of in Carbury provided the footwear of and meat exports. O’Hara stated in the farmers, labourers and herds, together the common man. Brogues, at that 1750s that: with trades associated with a rural time stitched, would have been cruder [W]ar makes a demand for cattle environment and the need to be self- than shoes and consequently cheaper. different from what it was in times of sustaining. The trade may not have provided peace … the sending of beef and live Oliver Farrel of Kilross townland an acceptable status or a sufficient cattle to England makes a constant was the local ale-seller, one of six income – only one Protestant was equitable demand instead of those in Tirerrill. He was Protestant as a broguemaker. Only four of the 18 flurries which used to happen when were two others of his trade. Two Sligo shoemakers were Catholics, French commissioners came and the were Catholic. Conor McManus two of them in Tirerrill. A lone Scotch take off the light cattle. preferred not to declare his religious clogmaker, John Tige of Carrowreagh O’Hara continually refers to the denomination. Ale and cider would in Kilmacallan, provided the heavier impact of a varying cattle trade on have been the commercial alcoholic footwear. farming and when prices fell in 1759, drink of the common people, with Being a rural parish, it is not the impact ‘fell principally upon the industrially-produced whiskey unexpected that a high proportion jobbers, a race extremely destructive gaining in popularity later in the of householders in Kilross parish in the main’. O’Hara did not like century. were farmers, 48 (41.4%) of the graziers. An unusual ‘profession’ was that 116 householders. The Protestant The second most frequent of beggar, of which there were 13 community had the higher proportion occupation in Kilross was that of in Kilross, all widows and reflecting of farmers in their community at labourer. Thirty-three householders the religious mix – eleven Catholic 71.4% compared to 31.8% Catholic. (28.4%) were labourers compared and two Protestant. This frequency They also had the larger farms with to the overall of 48.8% throughout of beggars (11.2%) was the highest the better leases. Fleming Phibbs was Tirerrill. The frequency ranged from in Tirerrill. All 53 beggars recorded the sole farmer of Doonamurray and 14% in Ballynakill parish to 79.8% in the Elphin census in Sligo lived in the two Ormsbys were the farmers of in Killadoon, where 41.4% and 1.8% Tirerrill. No beggars were recorded the 978 acres of Castledargan. Andrew respectively of householders were in Sligo town or in the parishes Donaghy and Robert Reed shared farmers. There were only two farming of Carbury, though ‘poorwomen’, Cartronduffy between them, while households in Killadoon. Parish ‘poorman’ and four Protestant people in Tully More, of the four farmer to parish comparison supports the living ‘upon charity’ lived in Sligo occupants, Thomas Keetlaghan was conclusion that the lesser the number town. The occupation of some widows the lone Catholic. of farms, the larger the farming in Tirerrill was not recorded, and in In Castledargan, the Ormsby unit and the greater the number of Sligo town and Carbury many widows families of William and Stephen (a labourers required. It is not recorded were recorded as ‘cottiers’. This was younger brother of William’s father) whether they were tied labourers or possibly in deference to enactments were the major tenants of Kilross labourers for hire. Life would have requiring the licensing of beggars parish. They were of a minor branch been difficult, but more so for some. and the punishment or removal of of an extended Elizabethan family Mary O’Brien, a householder and those without licence. William Lecky that had had earlier marriage alliances married labourer with one child, of (1838-1903) described their living with the O’Hara, Jordan and O’Kelly Straduff, Kilmactranny, was the only conditions in 1766 as: families, and were ‘numerous and head of household in Tirerrill whose [Living] in cabins of such shocking spread over all parts of the county’. marriage status (mar’d), excepting materials and construction that They had not only several branches in that of widow or widower, was through hundreds of them you may see Sligo but also in Mayo, Roscommon, recorded. the smoke ascending from every inch Galway and Limerick. The one learned profession open of the roof, for scarce one in twenty Herds were an occupation in all the to Catholics during Penal Times of them have any chimney, the rain parishes of Tirerrill, eight of them in was that of medicine. A doctor and drips from every inch of the roof on Kilross parish, together with some a surgeon, both Catholics, treated the half-naked, shivering and almost cowboys and shepherds. There were the medical needs of the people of

88 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Tirerrill. A similar arrangement, was one tailor in Kilross parish, ten in reported that the practice of farmers’ both Protestant, pertained in Sligo Tirerrill and 45 in Sligo. John Quinane sons staying at home to help on the town. Kilross parish had a quack, provided the tailoring services of farm did not significantly affect the Owen Ultagh of Ballydawley. The Kilross. recorded difference in family size, the Dunleavy family, hereditary medics The ‘better sort of people’, as one child per family difference still of the Ó Domhnaill, had gained O’Hara called them, introduced reflected in the 2.70 Catholic and 3.69 such a reputation for medicine that the sowing of flax as a commercial Protestant children per farming family Ultagh, the Ulster man, had become operation in the early years of the 18th in Kilross. synonymous with physician. By the century. They had their tenants, with A higher mortality rate among end of the 16th century, families from ‘what little leisure they have’ spin Catholics due to deprivation or a this tradition were living in Sligo. The the yarn and had it woven into coarse lesser ability to cope with downturns Rev Andrew Dunleavy, of An Teagasg linen for their own use, a practice or entrance into service apart, O’Hara Críosduidhe fame, later prefect that O’Hara saw ultimately filtering surprises with the suggestion that of the Irish College in Paris, and through to the ‘lower sort of people’. women ‘leave off bearing children, probably Owen ‘Ultagh’ Dunleavy of In Sligo, 114 weavers wove much of which they soon do’, indicating some Ballygawley, were descended from these linen requirements, twelve of form of control of family size among the family living in Sligo in 1652. them in Tirerrill, of which four worked the ‘poorer sort’. The phenomenon of Of Owen’s three sons, James died in Kilross – Thomas McConboy, the larger Catholic families of more at 103 years old and was buried in Nicholas Quin, Charles O’Connor prolific times had yet to come. It was Sligo Abbey. James, ‘a gentleman of and Patrick Kelly. Proximity to the noticeable that, with the exception means and education’, was married commercial trade of Sligo town of the Catholic families with four to his cousin Mary McSweeny, may have supported this somewhat children, families of three children daughter of Tirlogh McSweeny and disproportionate level of weavers in and more were substantially more Lady Louisa Campbell, a daughter Kilross. prevalent among Protestants than of the house of Argyle. These were Eighty-two households (71%) had Catholics. not the connections of a charlatan. A families of children: 63 Catholic great-grandson was the Rev James families and 19 Protestant. Protestant Perhaps one of the more unexpected Dunleavy, Dean of Elphin, and an families were consistently larger than phenomena recorded was the active liberal supporter in the politics distribution of servants. Almost one of Sligo in the 1830s. third of all households (31.9%) in Thady Flin of Kilross townland Kilross had servants – 19.3% of was one of ten smiths in Tirerrill Catholic and 71.4% of Protestant and of 41in Sligo. After the trades of households. The pattern was more weaver and tailor, the trade of smith or less reflected throughout Tirerrill. was the most numerous in Sligo. The Table 5 In Kilross, service was the almost Flynn family had a strong connection those of Catholics, Protestant families exclusive occupation of the Catholic; with the forge in Tirerrill – five of having 3.58 children compared to 2.54 94% were Catholic and 58% were its ten smiths were Flynns. One in Catholic families. That difference female. Three alone of Protestant of them was probably the Charles was evident throughout Tirerrill servants worked for Catholic masters, Flynn (aged 82) commemorated on a (Table V). none of them in Kilross. distinctively-carved headstone dated There was approximately one child In the parishes of Tirerrill, the 1784 in Teampal Mór graveyard less per Catholic family than among number of servants per Protestant near Riverstown. The connection of Protestants. The numbers of children household was approximately double Flynn and the trade of blacksmith was both under and above 14 years also that of the Catholic household and historic, continuing in Kilross into the reflected these differences. Such in Kilross 50% greater, all probably mid-20th century. differences may have been due to the reflecting the larger farms and more By the early 18th century traditional lesser ability of the poor to survive Irish dress would have been replaced the leaner times of the winters of by the local version of English 1739 and 1745. The lower numbers fashions, using flannels, friezes and of older Catholic children might some coarse linen. While O’Hara also be explained by the incidence would have seen spinning and knitting O’Hara saw of those entering service, taking place in the home, tailors more than likely live-in and thus would have finished clothing. There not recorded in the home. He also Table 6

89 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 prosperous living conditions of one female servant. In 1743 a James Further Reading Protestant households (Table V). In Banaghan, parish priest of Kilross and The Census of Elphin 1749, NAI, Kilross, the largest households of Ballysumaghan, was identified in an M2466 servants were those of Protestant investigation of the presence of priests O’Hara, Charles, of Nymphsfield: farmers: John Armstrong (7), James in Tirerrill. The recording of parents Survey of the economic development Reed (5), William Ormsby (4), and in-laws as part of the household in of County Sligo in the eighteenth Fleming Phibbs (4) and Robert Reed north Sligo, a practice not followed in century, typescript of PRONI (4), all of whom would have had Tirerrill, would suggest that some or T.2812/19/1. larger farms. Two Catholic farmers most of these Tirerrill servants were in Legg, Marie-Louise (ed.) 2004: The had two servants each and Charles fact parents, parents-in-law and older Census of Elphin 1749 with a statistical Bryandun, a farmer of Dowrea, had relatives. analysis by Brian Gurrin, Dublin, three servants. Whatever the motive for initiating Irish Manuscripts Commission. Almost all occupations had servants. the census of 1749, Dr Edward Synge Footnotes Farmers were the most numerous, has done an enormous service to the 1 but also labourers, cottiers and one story of Sligo in revealing for the first This study uses the term ‘Catholic’ rather than the ‘papist’ denomination Catholic beggar, Deniss Fagan of time a picture of the ordinary people of the census. Shancough with four children and one of those parts of Sligo that formed 2 Gilmore, from which Kilmer may servant. Five labourers in Kilross had part of the Diocese of Elphin and be derived, may be not only the Sligo one servant each and Mark Cone of particularly in this study the parish of Mac Giolla Mhír or the Ulster Gaelic Doonamurray had two. In the nearby Kilross. Mac Giolla Mhuire, but also from the parish of Drumcolumb a labourer, Scottish Clann Mhic Gille Mhóire. James Banaghan, had one male and

St Ita’s, Portrane Landmarks By John Hannon By John McDonagh

Brown stony shelter of imprisoned souls Landmarks Haven to the many lives cushioned By John McDonagh By the stark primevalness of the perimeter fence No marble here, nor polished stones, The anguished cries of muddled minds No limestone cross above the bones Hurtling seawards at the casual passers- That once were men who worked these by lands As they wind their breezy way around With simple tools and calloused hands the head On their carefree Sunday afternoon They watched the seasons come and stroll. go What grim secrets reside within this The rain and sunshine, frost and snow turreted sanctuary No calendar to tabulate As shackled spirits in broken earthly Their planting times appropriate bodies Amble aimlessly through the benign The stars, the sun, the moon and sky boredom of another distraught day. Migrating birds-the way they’d fly -- And natures rules they would obey September 1996. St Ita’s is a psychiatric To serve their interests day by day hospital on the north County Dublin coast. Mounds and boundaries of soil and stone Simple tools of wood and bone Monuments of soil and clay Landmarks we still know today.

90 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018 First Holy Communion 2017

Ballymote Back row, L – R: James Boyle, Alanna Mulvany, Daniel Iani , Grace Kilcoyne, Conor Walsh, Chantelle Kielty, Conor Boyle. Middle row, L – R: Ruby Flannery, Lorcan McTiernan, Kate Leszczynska, Ruairí Flanagan, Georgia Kelly, Cristiano Chaves and Katie Gardiner. Front row, L – R: Callum Egan, Kailum Boyd Clarke, Marcus Kielty, Shauna McCormack, Jack Walker & AJ Tighe. Also included in photograph: Fr James McDonagh, Ms. Dolores Taheny, and Mrs McGetrick, class teacher. Altar servers: Shane Rafferty, Mark Scanlon.

Knockminna Back row, L – R: Tom Cassidy (altar server), Mrs Louise King (Principal), Fr James Mc Donagh (Parish Priest), Ms Aoife Mc Donagh (Teacher). Front row, L – R: Ryan O’Sullivan, Tara Scanlon, Ben O’Connor, Luke O’Sullivan, Ewan Boland, Keelan Gallagher, Amelie Duffy, Matthew Lyons.

91 THE CORRAN HERALD • 2017/2018

Ballymote Heritage Group Patrons Eamon Barnes Mattie Casey Officers President Eileen Tighe Chairperson & PRO John Coleman BA (Hons) M. Litt., Dip. in Arts Admin. FRSA Vice-Chairperson Carmel Rogers Secretary Ursula Gilhawley Joint Treasurers Pam Benson, Anne Henry & Mary Martin Editor of The Corran Herald Stephen Flanagan Members Desmond Black, Mary Black, Olive Byrne, Bernie Carr, David Casey, Gerry Cassidy, Mary Cawley, Paddy Conboy, Derek Davey, Fiona Doherty, Owen Duffy, Anne Flanagan, Brenda Friel, Noreen Friel, Neil Henry, Paddy Horan, Gerry Keaney, Tom Lavin, Rita Lohan, Carmel McGettrick, Pat McGrath, Eddie O’Gorman, Mary O’Gorman, John Perry, Marie Perry, Nuala Rogers, Michael Rogers, Michael Tarmey. Sponsors of Ballymote Heritage Weekend

Principal Sponsor Casey’s Pharmacy

Sponsors John Cawley NT Steve Lemken Maura O’Riordan Michael & Carmel Rogers Tente Ltd.

92